Newsletters
Pentagon officials have privately urged several NATO countries to moderate public statements about the threat posed by Russia, arguing that some rhetoric from European leaders could undermine security efforts, Reuters reported, citing four people familiar with the matter.
Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia were among the countries that received the message in bilateral meetings, according to the report. It was unclear whether similar requests were made to other European governments.
The outreach comes as the Trump administration renews efforts to seek a negotiated end to the war in Ukraine, combining incentives for Russia, including sanctions relief, with pressure on Kyiv to halt strikes on Russian energy infrastructure.
Asked about the report, a Pentagon official told Reuters: “Private conversations among allies are just that, so we will not comment on these allegations.”
Among the remarks that drew attention from U.S. officials were statements suggesting Russia was increasingly cornered or resorting to desperate measures as its war in Ukraine slowed, one person familiar with the matter told Reuters.
Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby, who is involved in an ongoing review of U.S. troop levels in Europe, was among the officials delivering the message, according to the report.
One source said Colby recently told a Baltic official there should be no “poking” directed at Russia and cited comments describing Moscow as “cornered like a rat” as an example of unhelpful rhetoric.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “rat in a corner” in late September, arguing that Moscow was turning to sabotage in Europe as it became more bogged down in Ukraine.
Another European official described the Pentagon’s message this way: “We are helping you. The Americans are there. Just don’t be loud. Don’t make noise.”
In a separate meeting, Pentagon officials urged an Estonian delegation to be “measured” in its public communications, according to a person briefed on the talks.
The U.S. messages reflect a broader debate inside NATO over how publicly to describe the threat posed by Russia.
Some Western officials argue that emphasizing Moscow’s threat could contribute to fear and weaken support for Ukraine.
Others say European governments need to be transparent with voters about security risks and the resources required for defense, particularly as Russia is accused of expanding sabotage activities across Europe.
Russia has denied conducting such a campaign.
One European official told Reuters the Pentagon’s request was difficult to understand because Baltic intelligence services have recently played down the likelihood of Russia testing NATO’s collective defense commitments.
Other NATO intelligence services, however, have warned publicly that Russia could sharply intensify sabotage operations.
The discussions come as European governments raise concerns over suspected Russian covert operations.
German prosecutors said Wednesday that two Belarusians had been arrested on suspicion of planning to set fire to a building or critical infrastructure in the Nuremberg area.
Germany also blamed Russia in September for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport. Moscow denied the allegation.
At the same time, U.S. officials have been discussing possible business arrangements with Russia as part of the Trump administration’s push for a peace agreement in Ukraine, drawing mixed reactions in Europe as some governments continue to call for Moscow’s economic isolation.
The Pentagon is also reviewing the U.S. military presence in Europe, a process that could result in a significant reduction in American troops.
U.S. officials have said European NATO members should take greater responsibility for their own defense as Washington focuses more attention on the Middle East, Latin America and East Asia.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
