‘Don’t Make Noise’ – Pentagon Reportedly Urges Baltic States to Tone Down Russia Warnings

The Pentagon has reportedly advised several NATO allies, including Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, to moderate their public statements regarding Russia's perceived threat, fearing that such rhetoric could destabilize security across the continent. These conversations, described as amicable rather than confrontational, allegedly took place during bilateral meetings, according to four people familiar with the discussions.

Estonia's Prime Minister Kristen Michal, for instance, had used the phrase "a rat in a corner" to describe Russian President Vladimir Putin, similar to comments made by European leaders suggesting Russia was cornered and resorting to desperate measures. US officials, however, declined to comment on whether similar messages were passed to other European governments.

The Pentagon's guidance comes as Western intelligence officials have raised concerns about a surge in Russian sabotage and covert attacks in Europe, a claim Russia denies. The administration is also striving to negotiate a resolution to Russia's conflict with Ukraine, balancing pressure on Kyiv to cease strikes on Russian energy infrastructure with potential incentives for Moscow, such as sanctions relief.