The Pentagon has reportedly urged some NATO allies to tone down their public rhetoric against Russia. US policy chief Elbridge Colby warned European officials against escalating tensions with Moscow through aggressive statements, and called on them to exercise restraint. Washington's message was clear: the US supports its allies, but they must avoid an unnecessary public confrontation with Russia. Some European officials expressed puzzlement at the advice, arguing that their assessments of the Russian threat had already been measured.

The Pentagon has reportedly urged some NATO allies to tone down their public rhetoric against Russia. US policy chief Elbridge Colby warned European officials against escalating tensions with Moscow through aggressive statements, and called on them to exercise restraint. Washington's message was clear: the US supports its allies, but they must avoid an unnecessary public confrontation with Russia. Some European officials expressed puzzlement at the advice, arguing that their assessments of the Russian threat had already been measured.