The Pentagon asked the Baltic states not to "poke" Russia.

The U.S. Department of Defense has urged several NATO allies to temper their statements regarding Russia, citing concerns over European security. This warning was communicated to Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, although it is unclear if other nations received similar messages. Elbridge Colby, a Pentagon official, advised against provoking Russia, referencing comments that compared Russia to a cornered rat. While some Baltic officials question the necessity of such caution, U.S. warnings coincide with diplomatic efforts to negotiate an end to the Ukraine war, including potential sanctions relief for Russia. Meanwhile, the Pentagon is reviewing the presence of U.S. troops in Europe, seeking greater responsibility from NATO allies for their defense.