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Pentagon tells Europeans to cool their rhetoric on Russia, sources say
Defense News • • general
Key Points:
- Pentagon officials have privately urged NATO countries, including Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, to moderate their public rhetoric about the Russian threat, warning that some statements may undermine European security.
- This request aligns with the Trump administration's renewed diplomatic efforts to negotiate an end to the Ukraine war, combining incentives for Russia with pressure on Ukraine to limit attacks on Russian energy infrastructure.
- U.S. officials, including Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby, have advised against provocative language, such as describing Russia as "cornered," to avoid escalating tensions and "poking" Russia unnecessarily.
- The guidance has caused some confusion among European officials, as intelligence assessments differ on the likelihood of Russia testing NATO's defense commitments amid an increase in covert sabotage activities attributed to Moscow.
- Meanwhile, the Pentagon is reviewing U.S. troop deployments in Europe and encouraging European NATO members to take greater responsibility for their defense as the U.S. shifts focus to other global regions.
