It therefore contradicts recent media reports about the cessation of both ongoing and planned offensive cyber operations against Russia - decision, considered a major setback, as these operations require extensive preparation and thorough research.
"Hegseth has neither canceled nor postponed any cyber operations targeting malicious Russian entities, and no directive has been issued regarding this priority," the US official said.
Reports about halting cyber operations sparked outrage among U.S. Democrats, including Chuck Schumer, who accused the Trump administration of giving Russia "free rein" while Moscow continues to launch cyberattacks and ransomware operations against critical U.S. infrastructure.
Trump-Zelenskyy clash at the White House
On Feb. 28, during a press appearance with Donald Trump at the Oval Office, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy got into a heated argument with the U.S. president, which was broadcast live.
Trump lectured Zelenskyy, telling him that he “should be grateful”, and accused Ukraine of “playing with World War III”, repeatedly interrupting Zelenskyy as he attempted to respond. At one point, Trump bluntly told Zelenskyy,
"Either you make a deal, or we walk away."
Vice President J.D. Vance sided with Trump, telling Zelenskyy that he “should be thankful” to the U.S. president, who was allegedly “trying to prevent the destruction of his country.”
Following this confrontation, the Ukrainian delegation left the White House early, and no agreement on critical mineral resources was signed between Ukraine and the U.S.
Trump later stated that Zelenskyy “is not a man who wants peace”, whereas Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, according to Trump, does want to end the war.
In an interview with Fox News, Zelenskyy dismissed the idea of apologizing to Trump over the argument but highlighted his respect to the American people. He also expressed hope of restoring ties with Trump and reiterated Ukraine's willingness to sign a resource deal.
On March 2, NBC News, citing multiple White House officials, reported that the Trump administration considers the situation "uncertain" after the public clash in the Oval Office and is waiting for further actions from the Ukrainian president.
Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that negotiations over granting the U.S. access to Ukraine's mineral resources, including rare earth metals, are now on hold.