Pentagon asks NATO states Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia to tone down Russia rhetoric

Pentagon requests to NATO members

The Pentagon has asked several NATO members to tone down their public statements about the threat from Russia, according to Reuters, which cites four people with knowledge of the discussions. Officials argued that remarks by some European leaders and officials undermine the security of the continent. Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia are among the countries that received the message during bilateral meetings, the sources said, and it is not clear whether other European governments were approached in the same way.

The Pentagon declined to comment on the report. A spokesperson's position, as described in the coverage, was that private conversations between allies remain private.

Colby's remarks to Baltic officials

Elbridge Colby, the under secretary of defense for policy, played a central role in conveying the message, according to the sources, and is involved in a review of the American military presence in Europe. One source said Colby told a Baltic official that Europeans should not "provoke" the Russians, citing as an example public statements that portray Russia as a cornered rat. It is not clear which specific statement he had in mind.

In late September 2026, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal used a similar expression about Vladimir Putin, arguing that Russia was turning to sabotage in Europe as the war in Ukraine dragged on. In a separate meeting, Pentagon representatives asked an Estonian delegation to be measured in its public remarks, according to a person briefed on the talks.

A European official described the private American message as reassurance that US forces were present, paired with a request not to raise voices or make noise.

Wider Ukraine diplomacy

The requests come as the Trump administration renews its effort to push for a negotiated end to the war in Ukraine, which has entered its fifth year. The approach pairs incentives for Russia, including sanctions relief, with pressure on Ukraine to stop attacks on Russian energy infrastructure. The Wall Street Journal reported on 29 October that Ukraine agreed to halt raids on Russian energy facilities after a US demand. The same reporting said US officials were exploring possible business deals with Russia as part of the peace initiatives, which has drawn mixed reactions in Europe.

Divided views inside NATO

Some Western officials argue that putting heavy emphasis on Moscow as a threat could play into the Kremlin's hands, which they say seeks to spread fear and erode support for Ukraine. Others argue that European governments must be open with voters so that people understand sacrifices and resources are needed to keep Moscow at bay. That argument carries extra weight as Russia appears to accelerate a covert sabotage campaign across the continent.

None of the sources, which include three European officials and one American, said the recommendations were delivered in a confrontational or aggressive manner. The Reuters report leaves open which other officials took part in the exchanges.