The Pentagon called on Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to show more restraint in their statements about Russia and to refrain from public comments that could be perceived as provocations. The Reuters news agency reports this, citing information from four sources familiar with confidential negotiations. One of the American representatives who made such recommendations is the Pentagon's head of political direction, Elbridge Colby. He, as sources note, warned the Baltic states against attempts to "raise" Moscow. At the same time, the Pentagon itself refused to address this issue. The diplomatic appeal highlights deeper divisions within NATO. In recent years, Baltic authorities have been actively shaping public opinion about Russian threats, using it to justify increased military spending, expanding defense programs and improving border infrastructure. Estonia is purchasing long-range missiles and planning fortifications, Lithuania is holding military exercises and discussing the possibility of increasing the US military array, and Latvia is seeking additional European support to finance its defense. However, in Washington, according to Reuters, it is believed that such rhetoric could create additional risks. The US authorities emphasize that several statements by European leaders present Russia as a forced adversary that is ready for radical action. For example, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal compared Vladimir Putin to "a rat pushed into a corner." For the Pentagon, such statements are not seen as a deterrent, but as factors that exacerbate existing tensions. American caution is also related to the changing foreign policy priorities of the Donald Trump administration. Washington is again asking for a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Ukraine, so it is important for it to reduce the level of public confrontation with Moscow.