The Pentagon has asked several NATO allies to tone down their public rhetoric against Russia. Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon's policy director, reportedly warned European officials against "meddling" in Moscow, citing remarks that described Russia as a "cornered rat." A European official summed up America's message: "We are helping you. Americans are there. Just don't talk loudly. Don't make noise." Some European officials expressed bewilderment at the recommendation, claiming that their assessments of the Russian threat were calculated in advance./Reuters.

The Pentagon has asked several NATO allies to tone down their public rhetoric against Russia. Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon's policy director, reportedly warned European officials against "meddling" in Moscow, citing remarks that described Russia as a "cornered rat." A European official summed up America's message: "We are helping you. Americans are there. Just don't talk loudly. Don't make noise." Some European officials expressed bewilderment at the recommendation, claiming that their assessments of the Russian threat were calculated in advance./Reuters.