The US suspended the fight against Russian sabotage: what is behind Trump’s decision?
19 March 2025 19:45
In March 2025, several US national security agencies suspended joint efforts to counter Russian sabotage, disinformation, and cyberattacks. This happened against the backdrop of President Donald Trump’s administration’s desire to improve relations with Russia and end the war in Ukraine, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports citing CNN.
During Joe Biden ‘s presidency, working groups were set up to monitor and counter Russia’s hybrid warfare. These groups included representatives from at least seven US national security agencies and worked with European allies to disrupt Russian operations against Europe and the Americas.
After the inauguration of President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, most of this work was terminated. Regular meetings between the National Security Council (NSC) and European officials on Russian hybrid warfare ceased. The NSC has also stopped formally coordinating efforts among various U.S. agencies, including the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and State Department.
Some officials have expressed concern that the Trump administration is de-prioritizing this issue, despite intelligence warnings of ongoing threats from Russia.
Earlier, the FBI suspended efforts to counter foreign interference in the U.S. election, including by Russia, and the Department of Justice disbanded a group that was tasked with confiscating assets of Russian oligarchs.
The suspension of these efforts comes amid changes in US policy toward Europe and Ukraine. President Donald Trump has been making statements and moves that some officials view as favorable to Moscow, raising fears that Ukraine may be forced to agree to a truce on terms favorable to Putin. The American leader himself argues that improving relations with Russia is in the strategic interests of the United States and can prevent the conflict in Ukraine from escalating to the level of World War III.
At the same time, Russian intelligence services continue their shadow war aimed at undermining Western efforts to support Ukraine. They are recruiting criminals in European countries to carry out sabotage, such as arson attacks, assassination attempts, and bombings on cargo planes. Russia also uses influence campaigns and cyber operations to undermine support for Ukraine. Although the number of Russian sabotage acts decreased by the end of 2024, Western intelligence agencies warn that Moscow will continue its hybrid warfare as long as the West supports Ukraine.
The suspension of U.S. efforts to monitor and counter Russia’s hybrid warfare is causing concern among experts. Analysts believe that this makes the United States and its allies vulnerable to Russian subversive actions. They warn that ignoring these threats could lead to serious consequences for the national security and stability of Western democracies.
In response to the suspension of US efforts to counter Russian sabotage, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Trump administration is seeking to get rid of “everything ineffective, corrupt and implausible,” which he said is “understandable.” He added that the “collective West’s” accusations of Russian sabotage in the United States and Europe are “empty and ephemeral” and have not been proven.
At the same time, US allies in Europe continue to express concern about Russia’s hybrid warfare. They emphasize the importance of continuing joint efforts to monitor and counter Russian subversive actions to ensure security and stability in the region. Some European countries are already considering strengthening their own security measures in response to the ongoing threats from Russia.
Given the changing US policy towards russia and Ukraine, the future of efforts to counter Russian hybrid warfare remains uncertain. Experts emphasize the need for constant vigilance and cooperation between the United States and its allies to effectively counter the ongoing threats posed by the Kremlin. They call for a review of national security priorities and restoration of coordination between various agencies to ensure the protection of democratic institutions and interests in the international arena.
At the same time, the Trump administration continues to insist that any attacks on the United States will be met with a “disproportionate response.” However, the suspension of coordinated efforts to counter Russian sabotage raises questions about the US’s readiness to effectively respond to hybrid threats and protect its interests and allies in the face of Russia’s ongoing aggression.
