France has ‘trouble understanding’ US halt on cyber operations against Russia – POLITICO

PARIS — French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noël Barrot voiced his confusion over reports that the United States' Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a halt of offensive cyber operations against Russia.

"I have a bit of trouble understanding [Hegseth's decision]," Barrot told public radio France Inter Monday. The French minister said European Union countries "are constantly the targets" of Russian cyberattacks.

Cybersecurity publication The Record on Friday reported that Hegseth had ordered U.S. Cyber Command to stand down from planning offensive cyber operations against Russia. The report was confirmed by other publications shortly after. Cyber Command is the U.S. Department of Defense's section conducting cyberattacks and cyberdefensive operations.