The Pentagon has reportedly asked several NATO countries to moderate their public statements about the threat posed by Russia, arguing that some comments by European leaders and officials could undermine security across the continent.
According to Reuters, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia are among the countries that have received messages from US officials urging greater caution in their public remarks. Four people familiar with the matter, including three European officials and one American official, spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity.
The messages were reportedly delivered during bilateral meetings in recent weeks. It remains unclear whether similar requests were made to other European governments.
US seeks to revive Ukraine peace efforts
The reported requests come as US President Donald Trump’s administration renews its efforts to secure an agreement to end Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine, which has entered its fifth year.
The latest initiative reportedly combines incentives for Moscow, including the possible lifting of sanctions, with pressure on Kyiv to halt attacks on Russian energy infrastructure.
A Pentagon official declined to comment directly on the claims.
“Private conversations between allies are exactly that, private, so we will not comment on these claims,” the official said.
European leaders’ comments raise concern
One source told Reuters that US officials had taken note of statements by European leaders suggesting that Russia was struggling and resorting to increasingly desperate measures as its invasion of Ukraine appeared to have stalled.
Among the American officials who reportedly conveyed the message was Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon’s policy chief, who is playing a central role in the ongoing review of the US military presence in Europe.
Reuters said it could not establish which other American officials were involved.
None of the four sources described the recommendations as having been delivered in a confrontational manner.
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