The Pentagon is asking some European governments to avoid provocative statements toward Russia, according to a Reuters investigation

Pentagon officials have told some European governments in recent weeks that critical statements about Russia could undermine the security of the continent, according to a Reuters investigation based on information provided by four sources familiar with the discussions.

The countries concerned reportedly include Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, which are located on NATO’s eastern flank. It is unclear whether similar messages were also conveyed to Romania. The bilateral discussions were reportedly conducted without a confrontational tone, and one of the main U.S. officials involved was reportedly Elbridge Colby, the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy.

Washington reportedly recommended avoiding wording that portrays Russia as a desperate country or a “cornered animal.” The recommendations have caused confusion among some European officials, who believe their positions are already moderate. The Pentagon declined to comment on the confidential discussions.

The new approach comes amid warnings about an intensification of sabotage attributed to Moscow and the Donald Trump administration’s analysis of a possible reduction in U.S. troop levels in Europe. For Romania, a NATO member and neighbor of Ukraine, a potential reduction in the U.S. military presence is an important security issue.