According to a Reuters report citing four people familiar with the matter, US officials believe that some statements made by European leaders are not conducive to the security of the continent. The message was conveyed during separate bilateral meetings. However, it remains unclear which European governments, apart from the Baltic states, received the same advice.
Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby was among the US officials involved in delivering the message. He is also a key official overseeing the review of the deployment of American troops in Europe.
According to the report, Colby recently told an official from one of the Baltic countries that public rhetoric should avoid provoking Russia. He cited statements by European leaders suggesting that Russia had become cornered during its war in Ukraine and was now taking desperate measures.
At the end of September, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal compared Russian President Vladimir Putin to a rat trapped in a corner.
A European official told Reuters that the American message effectively meant that while the United States was helping Europe, its allies should avoid making too much noise publicly. The Pentagon also reportedly advised an Estonian delegation to maintain a balanced tone in its public statements.
US Shifts Approach Amid Efforts to End Ukraine War
The advice comes as the Trump administration is pursuing negotiations to bring an end to the war in Ukraine. As part of these efforts, proposals such as easing sanctions on Russia are being considered, while Ukraine is also facing pressure to stop attacks on Russian energy facilities.
Differences have emerged within NATO over how the Russian threat should be communicated publicly. Some officials believe that repeatedly issuing warnings about Russia gives Moscow an opportunity to spread fear. Others argue that European citizens must be made aware of the threat so they can understand the need for increased security spending and other necessary defence efforts.
Meanwhile, concerns are also growing across Europe over suspected acts of sabotage. In Germany, two Belarusian nationals were recently arrested on allegations of plotting to set fire to critical facilities.
Germany had also blamed Russia in September for an alleged attempt to carry out a drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport. Moscow has denied the allegations.
The US appeal for restraint highlights the differences within NATO over public messaging on Russia, even as European countries remain concerned about security threats and Washington continues its diplomatic efforts to end the Ukraine war.
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