Ukraine becomes 'easy target' for Russian hackers: Bloomberg names reason
The US cuts aid to Ukraine in cybersecurity (Illustrative photo: freepik.com)
The US has scaled back its efforts to assist Ukraine in cybersecurity, a critical area in countering Russian hacker attacks, reports Bloomberg.
According to the Western outlet, US efforts to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian cyberattacks have been limited amid widespread disruptions under the Trump administration, raising concerns about the erosion of critical protections against Kremlin-backed hackers.
Over the past five years, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has allocated more than $200 million to support Ukraine's cybersecurity efforts, Bloomberg reports. In addition, Kyiv has also received assistance from the National Security Agency (NSA) and US Cyber Command.
This assistance was seen as critically important in helping Ukraine prevent cyberattacks targeting government officials, telecommunications companies, and energy providers, as well as in recovering from their consequences.
Importance of American assistance in cybersecurity defense
Experts have told Bloomberg that US cybersecurity aid remains crucial to helping the war-torn country withstand hacking attacks.
The Western outlet recalled that in the early months of Donald Trump’s presidency, operations at USAID were halted. This week, Vice President JD Vance warned that the US could withdraw from the peace process if Russia and Ukraine fail to accept the proposal — a move that could further complicate future cybersecurity support.
“Dozens of people located in Ukraine and the US — who had provided technical assistance on cybersecurity at hundreds of facilities across the war-torn country — have had their contracts cancelled or paused,” Bloomberg reports, citing interviews with eight individuals familiar with the matter, revealing previously undisclosed details about how US actions have affected Ukraine’s cyber defense.
Sources also told Bloomberg that the US had previously helped Ukraine fend off Russian sabotage attempts targeting power plants and efforts to infiltrate the Cabinet of Ministers.
Additionally, anonymous sources revealed that planned computer equipment and software deliveries intended to protect Ukraine’s infrastructure were never completed.
What was included in the cybersecurity support for Ukraine from the US
American cybersecurity assistance included:
- specialized support;
- training;
- equipment;
- software.
...for organizations across Ukraine, including dozens of government agencies and departments, as well as key gas and electricity providers, the national bank, and nuclear facilities, according to people familiar with the matter and documents reviewed by Bloomberg News.
According to sources cited by the Western outlet, US funding has become the largest source of support for Ukraine’s cybersecurity sector.
USAID grants have financed several cybersecurity initiatives in Ukraine, some of which were approved during the first Trump administration, including efforts to protect the country’s electoral infrastructure and its diplomatic communications networks, according to contracts reviewed by Bloomberg.
'Easy target'
According to Kyiv-based cybersecurity expert Yehor Aushev, the reduction in cyber support for Ukraine will weaken the country’s digital front lines, making it an easy target for Russia.
He added that the sudden and unannounced halt of cyber operations has created a serious problem.
Commenting on the matter to Bloomberg, a White House spokesperson said that all foreign aid programs are being reviewed to ensure alignment with the priorities of the Trump administration.
In March, the Pentagon denied media reports — including from cybersecurity outlet The Record, The Washington Post, and The New York Times — claiming that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had ordered a halt to offensive cyber operations against Russia.
Back in late September last year, France and Canada agreed to jointly support Ukraine in countering Russian aggression in cyberspace, signing a relevant declaration.
In addition, in the fall of 2024, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, emphasized the urgent need to strengthen cooperation between Ukrainian and American experts in the cyber domain to protect military information and communication systems.
