Pentagon urges Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia to temper public warnings about Russia
Pentagon officials have asked several NATO countries, including Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, to tone down public statements about the Russian threat, four people familiar with the discussions told Reuters. Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon’s policy chief, was among those delivering the message; the requests come as Washington renews efforts to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine.
Bottom line — The private appeals expose a NATO dispute over how to warn the public as Washington pursues talks with Moscow.
Go deeper 6
-
Reuters sources said Colby cited remarks describing Russia as “cornered like a rat”; Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal used similar language about Putin in September.
-
A person briefed on a separate meeting told Reuters the Pentagon urged an Estonian delegation to be “measured” in its communications.
-
The Pentagon declined to comment, saying private conversations among allies were not for public discussion; NATO and the Baltic states’ defence ministries also did not comment.
-
Reuters reported that Washington’s renewed Ukraine peace push includes possible sanctions relief for Russia and pressure on Ukraine to halt attacks on Russian energy infrastructure.
-
Some Western officials argue that stressing the Russian threat could serve the Kremlin’s aims; others say governments should explain the resources and sacrifices needed to deter Moscow, Reuters reported.
-
Reuters reported that NATO intelligence services differ: Baltic services have played down the chance of Russia testing the alliance’s mutual-defence commitment, while others warn sabotage could intensify.