Pentagon tells Baltic states and other NATO allies to stop 'poking' Russia while Trump pushes for a Ukraine peace deal

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 took the message directly to Baltic officials, telling them to stop 'poking' Russia as Trump's team works toward a negotiated end to the war in Ukraine. The private bilateral meetings singled out Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, with officials told: 'We are helping you. Just don't be loud. Don't make noise.'

Colby reportedly took issue with European leaders' use of the phrase 'cornered rat' to describe Russia — language Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal had used publicly in late September.

The effort to quieten allies comes as Trump offers Moscow sanctions relief in exchange for a ceasefire, while pressing Ukraine to stop striking Russian energy infrastructure.

Putin declared last night that he is 'ready' for a major war with Europe, cautioning that there would be 'no winners' — the same week UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting warned Britain must prepare for attack by 2030.

Daily MailPentagon warns European leaders to stop 'poking' Russia The IndependentPentagon quietly muzzles NATO allies on Moscow threat as Trump prepares major European troop drawdown: report 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 Financial TimesEurope divided over how to influence US-Russia talks

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