US Military Confirms Cyber-Attacking Russia

Image copyright: Getty Images [via New York Post]

The Facts

  • In an interview with Sky News on Wed., General Paul Nakasone, head of US Cyber Command, said that the US has been providing offensive, in addition to defensive, cyber support to help Ukraine defeat Russia. This is the first such admission by a US official.

  • When asked if Cyber Command's actions contradicted Pres. Biden's pledge not to directly engage with Russia, White House Press Sec. Karine Jean-Pierre said, "we don't see it as such."


The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

The US has an opportunity to help Ukrainian fighters build on their early success and end the Russian invasion. Electronic warfare was one of the US' main military advantages in the Cold War, and it can be used again here to slow down and confuse Russian forces, without leading to direct casualties. The US has a moral obligation to do all it can to support Ukraine without engaging in direct conflict.

Establishment-critical narrative

This is but the latest example of Western hypocrisy and provocation of Moscow. The US and NATO have both indicated in the past that they believe cyberattacks could be just cause for war, yet apparently only when they come from one side. Meanwhile, Biden's continuous warnings of Russian cyberattacks have failed to materialize...


Metaculus Prediction


Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO

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