Trump suspends offensive cyber operations against Russia: signal of détente?

The Pentagon stops offensive cyber operations: a strategic move to facilitate negotiations on Ukraine

In an unexpected move, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the Pentagon to suspend offensive cyber operations against Russia. According to the New York Times, which cites government sources and two former officials, this decision is part of a broader diplomatic effort to improve relations with Moscow and foster talks on the Ukrainian crisis. The White House hopes that this gesture will open a constructive dialogue between Washington and the Kremlin.

Talks and negotiating tactics: the strategy behind the suspension

Hegseth’s order, addressed to the US Cyber Command, has not been made public, but was issued shortly before the White House meeting between Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Although the details of the operation remain confidential, the suspension appears to be an attempt to avoid unnecessary tensions during ongoing negotiations. It is a common practice to suspend military or cyber actions during sensitive diplomatic negotiations to prevent the risk of causing talks to break down.

Cyber operations: offensive, defensive or both?

The difference between offensive and defensive cyber operations can be subtle. Even if offensive cyber has been put on hold, maintaining access to Russian networks for intelligence purposes remains essential to monitor the Kremlin’s moves. The ability to monitor Russia’s movements during negotiations gives the US the ability to understand Putin’s intentions, allowing them to better manage concessions and demands.

A risky bet for Trump and Hegseth

Former officials explain that suspending operations during diplomatic negotiations is a calculated risk. For Trump and Hegseth, this decision represents a big gamble, based on the assumption that Vladimir Putin will respond with the same soothing gesture, reducing his activities in the so-called ‘shadow war’ against the US and its European allies. However, cyber attacks by Russia have never stopped. In the first weeks of Trump’s new term, Moscow continued to attempt to penetrate US networks.

Ransomware attacks: an ever-present danger

Russian cyber attacks, especially so-called ransomware attacks, have increased in recent months. American hospitals, infrastructure and cities have been targeted, with many of these incursions coming from Russia. US intelligence agencies define most of these operations as criminal acts, but the risk that they could become part of a broader plan of geopolitical destabilisation is always present.

Détente or temporary strategy?

It remains to be seen whether Trump and Hegseth’s decision to suspend offensive cyber operations against Russia will have a positive impact on relations between the two countries. Although this gesture may represent a first step towards a more open dialogue, cyber security risks remain high. Only time will tell whether Russia will respond with a decrease in its cyber operations against the US.

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