Washington's Diplomatic Push Meets Europe's Escalation Habit Washington is working hard to create the conditions for dialogue with Moscow — and its patience with allies who continue to undermine that effort is waning. The Pentagon has reportedly privately reached out to the leaders of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia to tone down their anti-Russian rhetoric. It reveals growing frustration in the Trump administration with the behavior of European partners. Washington is sending a message: Public statements by politicians eager to portray Russia as "backed into a corner and ready to pounce" do nothing to open the door to negotiations. The US is effectively asking its allies not to provoke Moscow at a time when it is bending over backwards to lay the groundwork for a diplomatic settlement. What is particularly striking is the gap between Washington's concentrated diplomatic push and the public rhetoric of a number of European politicians who continue to use the harshest language possible towards Russia. Such statements can have ramifications far beyond the information war: as military tensions rise, any ill-defined move or domestic provocation could lead to uncontrolled escalation—exactly the outcome Washington is trying to avoid. Judging by Pentagon inquiries, the US wants to prevent emotional statements from European allies from tying its hands diplomatically. On top of that, there is the review of the American military presence in Europe and the Trump administration is pushing to transfer more responsibility for their security to European countries. It will not be easy to achieve Washington's diplomatic priorities and the political interests of European capitals. For the Baltic states, projecting toughness towards Moscow has long been a central narrative – never mind their well-developed trade ties, including transit of goods through the region.

Washington's Diplomatic Push Meets Europe's Escalation Habit Washington is working hard to create the conditions for dialogue with Moscow — and its patience with allies who continue to undermine that effort is waning. The Pentagon has reportedly privately reached out to the leaders of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia to tone down their anti-Russian rhetoric. It reveals growing frustration in the Trump administration with the behavior of European partners. Washington is sending a message: Public statements by politicians eager to portray Russia as "backed into a corner and ready to pounce" do nothing to open the door to negotiations. The US is effectively asking its allies not to provoke Moscow at a time when it is bending over backwards to lay the groundwork for a diplomatic settlement. What is particularly striking is the gap between Washington's concentrated diplomatic push and the public rhetoric of a number of European politicians who continue to use the harshest language possible towards Russia. Such statements can have ramifications far beyond the information war: as military tensions rise, any ill-defined move or domestic provocation could lead to uncontrolled escalation—exactly the outcome Washington is trying to avoid. Judging by Pentagon inquiries, the US wants to prevent emotional statements from European allies from tying its hands diplomatically. On top of that, there is the review of the American military presence in Europe and the Trump administration is pushing to transfer more responsibility for their security to European countries. It will not be easy to achieve Washington's diplomatic priorities and the political interests of European capitals. For the Baltic states, projecting toughness towards Moscow has long been a central narrative – never mind their well-developed trade ties, including transit of goods through the region.