Pentagon asks some NATO countries to temper Russia rhetoric

Pentagon officials have recently urged several NATO countries, including Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, to moderate public statements about the threat from Russia, according to people familiar with the discussions. The requests come as the Trump administration renews efforts to pursue a negotiated end to the war in Ukraine.

• Four people familiar with the matter said Pentagon officials had asked several NATO countries to tone down statements about the threat posed by Russia.· 1 source
• Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia were among the countries that received messages, delivered in bilateral meetings; it was unclear whether other European governments received them.· 1 source
• The requests came as the Trump administration renewed efforts toward a negotiated end to the war in Ukraine, combining incentives for Russia with pressure on Ukraine to halt attacks on Russian energy infrastructure.· 1 source