By Karim Hammam
Pentagon officials have privately asked several NATO allies, including Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, to soften their public rhetoric about the threat posed by Russia, according to sources familiar with the matter. The requests come as the Trump administration prepares a significant drawdown of U.S. troops in Europe and pushes for a negotiated end to the war in Ukraine.
Baltic States Asked to Moderate Language
Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are among the governments that received the messages in bilateral meetings, four people familiar with the matter told Reuters. The Pentagon argued that statements by some European leaders have undermined security on the continent, the sources said. It was unclear whether other European capitals received similar requests.
Colby Delivers Message
Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon's policy chief and a key figure in the ongoing review of U.S. force levels in Europe, was among the officials delivering the message. One source said Colby told a Baltic official there should be no "poking" directed at the Russians, citing European suggestions that Russia was "cornered like a rat" as unhelpful rhetoric. Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal had referred to Putin as a "rat in a corner" in late September.
Internal NATO Debate
The U.S. messages reflect a broader debate within NATO over how to publicly address an increasingly assertive Russia. Some Western officials argue that emphasizing the threat plays into the Kremlin's hands by sowing fear, while others insist transparency is needed to show electorates that deterring Moscow requires sacrifice. The debate is especially pressing as Russia appears to accelerate a covert sabotage campaign across Europe, though Moscow denies such allegations.
Troop Drawdown Under Review
The Pentagon's outreach coincides with a review of Washington's force posture in Europe that could sharply reduce American troop presence. U.S. officials say European NATO members must assume more responsibility for their own defense as the U.S. focuses on threats in the Middle East, Latin America, and East Asia. Meanwhile, the administration has discussed potential business deals with Russia as part of its peace push, drawing mixed reactions from European officials who favor continued economic isolation of the Kremlin.
