Biden presented with plans of cyberattacks against Russia: NBC
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The US is weighing options to launch cyberattacks against Russia which will damage critical infrastructures such as airports and energy facilities.
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United States Cyber Command USCYBERCOM
Biden’s administration is considering interrupting internet connectivity across Russia, turning off the country's electrical power, and messing with train switches to obstruct Moscow's ability to replenish its military, according to NBC.
US President Joe Biden has been presented with a variety of cyberattack possibilities to deploy against Russia, according to sources familiar with the situation, but no final decision has been taken, the report added.
After the Donbass republics of Donetsk and Lugansk requested aid to defend themselves from continued attacks by Ukrainian troops, Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized a special military operation in Donbass.
On his account, the Russian Ministry of Defense said, "Ukrainian military infrastructure, air defense facilities, military airfields, and air forces are being neutralized by high-precision weapons", stressing that there are no threats to the civilian population.
The report stressed that US officials are split on whether or not to launch cyberattacks against Russia, fearing that such a course of action would force Russia to retaliate in the same manner.
The cyber options provided to Biden, according to the report, are intended to disrupt but not destroy Russia's infrastructure, adding that US officials are presently disputing the legal authority to carry out such conduct.
The report concluded by saying that the US will not openly acknowledge conducting such operations, adding that the CIA, National Security Agency, and US Cyber Command, among other US government agencies, will undoubtedly be involved in the operation.
