The Pentagon argued that some statements by European leaders and officials undermine the security of the continent.
Over the past few weeks, Pentagon representatives have appealed to several NATO countries, including the Baltic states, with a request to soften their rhetoric regarding the threat from Russia, writes Reuters.
The Pentagon argued that some statements by European leaders and officials undermine the security of the continent.
According to agency sources, among the countries that received calls to curb public statements are Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. At the same time, it is unknown whether these messages, conveyed during bilateral meetings, were brought to the attention of the governments of other European countries.
One of the interlocutors said that among the statements that attracted the attention of American officials were remarks by European leaders that Russia found itself in an intractable position and was resorting to increasingly desperate measures as its invasion of Ukraine slowed to a barely noticeable pace.
The interlocutors noted that one of the American officials who delivered this message was Elbridge Colby, head of Pentagon policy — a key figure in the ongoing review of the number of American troops in Europe.
At the same time, none of the interlocutors claimed that the American side expressed these remarks in a confrontational manner.
Also, one source said that Colby recently told a Baltic official that one should not "tease" the Russians.
According to him, Colby cited public statements by Europeans that Russia is "cornered like a rat" as an example of undesirable rhetoric.
Another agency interlocutor said that during a separate recent meeting, the Pentagon urged the Estonian delegation to be "restrained" in their statements.
According to one European official, the Pentagon's advice, though expressed in a friendly tone, surprised the Europeans.
"Doctor", lawyer, man with a camera and several strong guys. In Petropavlivska Borshchahivka, Russian special services took advantage of a specific Ukrainian wartime business 1515
Comments