The United States has reduced its support for NATO over fears of further escalation in relations with Moscow, The Economist writes, citing sources. According to the British publication, Washington has made it clear to its allies that it is not ready to enter a direct military conflict with Russia for the sake of the Baltic states.

The article notes that the American side considers the risk of escalation too high. Against this background, the US position, according to The Economist, has become noticeably more «anti-European.»

According to the publication, Donald Trump’s administration is seeking to avoid a direct clash with Russia even if this leads to weaker security guarantees for NATO’s eastern flank.

Such signals raise questions about the reliability of Article 5 of the NATO charter, which provides for collective defense of allies in the event of an attack. For Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, this means the risk of being left without promised US military support at a critical moment.

European members of the alliance, according to The Economist, received Washington’s hints with concern. However, they have not yet received official explanations from the American side.