Pentagon reportedly orders US Cyber Command to halt planning against Russia

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reportedly ordered U.S. Cyber Command to stand down from all planning activities against Russia, including offensive cyber operations, according to three sources familiar with the matter speaking to The Record.

Cyber Command ordered to stand down

The directive was issued last week to Cyber Command chief Gen. Timothy Haugh, who then relayed it to Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Ryan Heritage, the outgoing director of operations.

The decision does not apply to the National Security Agency (NSA) or its signals intelligence work focused on Russia, the sources confirmed.

While the full scope of the order remains unclear, it signals a shift in the White House’s approach to relations with Moscow.

Impact on cyber operations and personnel

Cyber Command has begun compiling a risk assessment detailing the halted missions and potential security risks arising from the decision.

The command’s Cyber National Mission Force and Cyber Mission Force, comprising approximately 5,800 personnel, conduct offensive and defensive cyber operations, with a quarter of offensive teams reportedly focused on Russia.

The impact of the order on intelligence, analysis, and capability development remains uncertain. If it extends beyond offensive operations, it could affect a larger portion of the command’s personnel at Fort Meade, Maryland.

Concerns over US and Ukraine cybersecurity

The decision could influence ongoing U.S. cyber operations in Ukraine, where Cyber Command has deployed teams since Russia’s invasion to help strengthen Kyiv’s digital defenses.

Analysts warn that halting cyber operations against Russia may expose U.S. and allied infrastructure to heightened threats from state-backed hackers and cybercriminals.

Russia has been a focal point of cyber intelligence efforts, with state-linked hacker groups targeting government entities worldwide.

Last year, Microsoft reported that Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) had attempted to infiltrate government networks in multiple countries.

Pentagon’s response and policy shifts

A Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment on specific cyber operations but reiterated the department’s commitment to operational security. “Due to operational security concerns, we do not comment nor discuss cyber intelligence, plans, or operations. There is no greater priority to Secretary Hegseth than the safety of the Warfighter in all operations, to include the cyber domain,” a senior defense official stated.

Hegseth’s order comes as Cyber Command faces increasing demands, including operations against Mexican drug cartels, which the administration has labeled terrorist organizations.

Trump officials have advocated military action to combat cartel operations linked to drug trafficking into the U.S.