U.S. Halts Counter-Russian Sabotage Efforts as Trump Administration Strengthens Moscow Ties

U.S. National Security Agencies Pause Operations Against Russian Cyber Threats

Several key U.S. national security agencies have paused coordinated efforts to counter Russian sabotage, disinformation, and cyberattacks, reducing pressure on Moscow. This policy shift aligns with the Trump administration’s broader push to improve relations with Russia as negotiations continue over the Ukraine conflict.

The move has led to concerns among national security officials, both current and former, who believe this could leave the U.S. and its allies vulnerable to Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics, which have included sabotage operations, misinformation campaigns, and cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure.

Suspension of Cross-Agency Security Efforts

During the Biden administration, a specialized task force led by the National Security Council (NSC) coordinated efforts across multiple U.S. intelligence and security agencies, including the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and the State Department, to counter Russian hybrid warfare. This effort was launched in response to growing intelligence reports suggesting that Russia was actively conducting sabotage operations across Europe and targeting American interests.

Since President Donald Trump took office on January 20, 2025, these coordinated efforts have largely come to a standstill. Eleven current and former officials, all of whom requested anonymity, told Reuters that key meetings between the NSC and European security officials have been left unscheduled. Additionally, the formal coordination of intelligence-sharing efforts among U.S. agencies has ceased.

Highlights:

• Biden Administration’s Countermeasures: Under former President Joe Biden, a multi-agency task force was set up to combat Russian sabotage and cyber threats, working in coordination with European allies.
• Trump Administration Policy Shift: The Trump White House has not provided directives to continue these efforts, leading to concerns among security officials.
• Decreased Intelligence Sharing: The extent of U.S. intelligence-sharing with European allies regarding Russian hybrid warfare remains unclear.

Trump’s Russia Policy Raises Concerns Among Officials

The Trump administration’s approach to Russia has signaled a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy. Trump has advocated for improved relations with Moscow, arguing that de-escalation is in America’s strategic interest and that the ongoing war in Ukraine could spiral into a larger global conflict.

In a recent call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin announced that both leaders agreed to a temporary 30-day pause on attacks targeting each other’s energy infrastructure. This agreement has been perceived as part of Trump’s broader strategy to pressure Ukraine into a truce, an approach that has drawn criticism from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers.

Disbanding of Key Russia-Focused Units

In line with this policy shift, several major efforts initiated under the Biden administration to counter Russian influence and sabotage have been unwound:

• FBI Cybersecurity Initiative: A dedicated FBI program focused on combating Russian election interference was discontinued last month.
• Homeland Security’s Disinformation Team: The Department of Homeland Security placed staff working on Russian disinformation efforts on leave.
• Department of Justice Oligarch Asset Seizure Unit: A Justice Department task force that seized Russian oligarch assets was also disbanded.

Western Intelligence Officials Warn of Potential Risks

National security experts have voiced concerns that the rollback of these programs could expose both the U.S. and Europe to increased Russian hybrid warfare tactics. Over the past three years, Russia has been implicated in multiple sabotage operations across Europe, including arson attacks, bomb plots, and attempted assassinations.

Western intelligence officials have previously identified:

• Russian criminal networks conducting sabotage operations across Europe.
• Cyber warfare efforts aimed at destabilizing Western economies and eroding support for Ukraine.
• Physical attacks on European infrastructure, including undersea cables and energy grids.

Recent reports indicate that Russia has recruited criminals in various European countries to execute sabotage operations, including the arson attack on a London warehouse linked to a Ukrainian-born businessman in late 2024. Six individuals were charged with aggravated arson, with at least two admitting to accepting payment from a foreign intelligence service.

Moscow’s Escalation of Hybrid Warfare

Since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago, Russia has intensified its use of hybrid warfare tactics against the West. In response, the Biden administration had directed intelligence agencies to increase intelligence-sharing with European allies and establish joint task forces to prevent further attacks.

One of the most alarming intelligence findings in 2024 suggested that Russia might have considered sabotaging cargo or passenger aircraft over U.S. airspace. While no concrete attack plans were uncovered, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security took proactive steps by enhancing screening procedures for cargo entering the U.S.

European Allies Respond to U.S. Policy Shift

European allies have expressed concerns about the U.S. retreating from countering Russian hybrid threats. Despite the Trump administration’s move to reduce focus on Russia’s sabotage campaign, European governments have continued intelligence-sharing efforts.

The British government confirmed that it still receives intelligence updates from the U.S., though officials have noted a decline in the frequency of meetings. The European Union’s Foreign Affairs and Security Policy division also acknowledged that counter-Russian sabotage efforts remain a priority, but declined to comment on specific intelligence-sharing measures with the U.S.

Meanwhile, NATO officials have reiterated their commitment to countering Russian hybrid warfare, though some have raised concerns about Washington’s shifting stance under Trump’s leadership.

Implications for Ukraine and NATO

Trump’s recent foreign policy decisions have also heightened concerns about the potential for a forced settlement in Ukraine that could favor Russia.

Among the key policy moves that have drawn scrutiny:

• Possible U.S. Recognition of Crimea as Russian Territory: Reports suggest the Trump administration is considering recognizing Crimea as part of Russia in exchange for a broader peace agreement.
• Potential Reductions in U.S. Military Aid to Ukraine: Some officials believe that ongoing negotiations could lead to decreased American support for Kyiv’s military efforts.
• Expanded Diplomatic Presence for Russia in Washington: The Trump administration is reportedly considering allowing an increased Russian diplomatic footprint in the U.S.

These developments mark a stark departure from prior U.S. policy, which emphasized isolating Russia through sanctions, diplomatic pressure, and coordinated countermeasures with NATO allies.

The Future of U.S.-Russia Relations

With the Trump administration shifting its focus towards de-escalation with Russia, the fate of past counter-sabotage initiatives remains uncertain. National security officials warn that without continued efforts to combat Russian hybrid threats, both the U.S. and its allies may face heightened risks in the future.

The long-term consequences of this policy shift will likely shape U.S.-Russia relations, NATO’s strategic direction, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine in the coming months.