Pentagon asks European allies to cool Russia rhetoric, sources say

Key facts

• Pentagon officials asked several NATO countries to tone down their rhetoric on Russia.
• US officials believe some European statements have undermined continental security.
• Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia were among the nations that received the messages.
• The US is also pressing for a negotiated end to the war in Ukraine.
• Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby was involved in delivering the message.

Pentagon officials have recently requested that several NATO countries, including Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, moderate their public statements regarding the threat posed by Russia. The US officials believe that some European rhetoric has undermined continental security. These requests come as the Trump administration seeks a negotiated resolution to the war in Ukraine and considers reducing its military presence in Europe. The Pentagon's advice, delivered in private meetings, aimed to prevent provocative language, with one official suggesting there should be no "poking" directed at the Russians.