'Don't make noise': Pentagon tells Baltic states and other European allies to tone down their rhetoric on Russia

Trump is pushing a Ukraine peace deal that blends sanctions relief for Russia with pressure on Kyiv to halt strikes on Russian energy infrastructure.

Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby personally delivered the message to Baltic state officials in bilateral meetings, urging restraint after European leaders claimed Russia was "cornered" and resorting to desperate measures. The push comes as the Trump administration revives efforts for a negotiated end to the Ukraine war, offering Moscow sanctions relief in exchange for a ceasefire.

Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are among the countries told to pipe down, with one official summarising the US message as: 'We are helping you. Just don't make noise.'

Colby, who is leading a review of US troop levels in Europe, reportedly cited European comparisons of Putin to a 'rat in a corner' as exactly the kind of statement Washington wants stopped.

Europe is split on the strategy, with some officials warning that downplaying Russia's threat plays into the Kremlin's hands by sowing fear and undermining public support for Ukraine.

Daily MailPentagon warns European leaders to stop 'poking' Russia Financial TimesEurope divided over how to influence US-Russia talks HuffPostPentagon Tells Europeans To Cool Their Rhetoric On Russia: Reuters ReutersEXCLUSIVE: Pentagon tells Europeans to cool their rhetoric on Russia, sources say Irish TimesUS tells Europeans to cool their rhetoric on Russia TVP World‘Don't make noise’: Pentagon tells European allies to tone down Russia rhetoric - TVP World Lithuanian National Radio and TelevisionPentagon urges Baltic states to tone down rhetoric on Russia – media The GuardianPragmatic or pointless? Europe’s rift over whether to pick up the phone to Putin

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