The Pentagon has urged several NATO members to tone down their rhetoric about the perceived threat from Russia. U.S. officials believe such statements have already undermined European security. According to Reuters, which cited four sources familiar with the matter, American defense officials have delivered these requests to several allies in recent weeks.
Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are among the countries approached by Washington. The discussions have also involved senior Pentagon officials, including policy chief Elbridge Colby, who plays a central role in the ongoing review of U.S. troop levels in Europe.
One source told Reuters that Colby had urged representatives of an unnamed Baltic country to stop making remarks that could antagonize Russia. Another European official described Washington’s message as a reminder that the United States was already supporting its allies and maintaining a military presence in Europe. In return, American officials expected their partners to avoid generating unnecessary controversy through their public statements.
Estonia received a similar message. Reuters learned that U.S. representatives had specifically asked the country’s delegation to exercise greater restraint when speaking publicly about Russia.
The Pentagon, however, has not officially confirmed that such requests were made. Responding to Reuters, a department spokesperson declined to discuss the reported exchanges, explaining that conversations between allies were private and would remain confidential. The spokesperson also refused to comment on the allegations raised by the news agency.