Several US Agencies Reportedly Freeze Joint Initiatives to Combat Russian Sabotage and Disinformation

Several US national security agencies have suspended joint efforts to combat Russian sabotage, disinformation, and cyberattacks — a move that reduces pressure on Moscow, Reuters reported on March 19, citing current and former officials familiar with the matter.

According to the news agency, former President Joe Biden directed his national security team to create working groups to address the growing concern, following warnings from US intelligence about Russia intensifying its covert operations against Western nations.

The outlet added that the initiative was spearheaded by the president’s National Security Council (NSC) and involved collaboration between at least seven US national security agencies and European allies to thwart plots aimed at Europe and the United States.

Eleven current and former officials told Reuters that despite being urged by Biden officials to continue these monitoring efforts, much of this work has stalled since Trump assumed office on January 20.

Reuters was unable to ascertain whether Trump had instructed the administration to suspend all efforts to monitor and counter Russia’s campaign or if they were making independent policy decisions without guidance from the White House.

Brian Hughes, spokesperson for the National Security Council, stated that the NSC coordinates “with relevant agencies to assess and thwart threats posed to Americans.” He emphasized, “President Trump has made it abundantly clear that any attack on the US will be met with a disproportionate response.”

A senior US official at NATO confirmed that the US is still coordinating with its allies on the issue but refrained from providing further details. The CIA, FBI, and State Department declined to comment, Reuters added.

Sabotage incidents have been increasing across Europe, with multiple cases traced back to Russia. On December 4, 2024, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský reported that Russia is suspected of involvement in nearly 100 incidents across Europe in 2024, classified as hybrid attacks, espionage, or influence operations.