'Ukraine Was Not That Line': E Aide Admits Obama Was Ready To Go To War For Baltic States
'Ukraine Was Not That Line': E Aide Admits Obama Was Ready To Go To War For Baltic States Published By, Last Updated: June 02, 2026
'Ukraine Was Not That Line': E Aide Admits Obama Was Ready To Go To War For Baltic States Published By, Last Updated: June 02, 2026, 18:35 IST Ben Rhodes said the Obama admin believed Russia could attempt a “little green men” scenario in Estonia, Latvia or Lithuania after it seized Crimea. US President Barack Obama with (L to R) E Estonia's President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, Latvian President Andris Berzins and Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite. (AFP file photo) US President Barack Obama was prepared to defend the Baltic states militarily in 2014, but Ukraine was not covered by the same red line, according to his former adviser Ben Rhodes. Rhodes, who served as deputy national security adviser and speechwriter, said the Obama administration believed Russia could attempt a “little green men" scenario in Estonia, Latvia or Lithuania after it seized Crimea. He said the US response at the time was shaped by NATO commitments, while Ukraine remained outside the alliance.
The remarks were made during an interview reflecting on Obama’s 2014 visit to Estonia, when he publicly reaffirmed NATO’s Article 5 pledge that an attack on one member would be treated as an attack on all, Lithuanian outlet LRT English reported. Fear of Russian escalation Rhodes said the White House was concerned Russia might extend its actions beyond Ukraine into NATO territory. “Yes, we did. We were worried they were going to do a little green men play in the Baltic states," he told the outlet, referring to unmarked Russian troops seen in Crimea. He added that intelligence did not provide a clear warning, but analysis and signals from Baltic governments raised concern. Obama’s Tallinn speech, he said, was meant to make the US position unmistakably clear. Rhodes insisted the message was strong enough to imply military action if needed. “We would have sent troops. That was the message of the speech," he said. He also said Obama’s “red line" was NATO territory.
“If Putin crosses it, we go to war," Rhodes said, adding: “Ukraine was not that line." Crimea response and divisions Rhodes said the White House was caught off guard by Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, calling it as already complete when US officials assessed the situation. “The briefing is: the Russians had taken Crimea; it’s happened," he recalled. He said no military option was seriously considered to reverse the annexation, and the response focused on sanctions. However, he acknowledged internal and European disagreements over how far to go. Rhodes said some countries, including France and Germany, were reluctant to impose tougher measures, while the US, UK, Poland and Baltic states pushed for stronger action. Rhodes also questioned the decision not to arm Ukraine in the early stages of the Donbas conflict, noting fears within the administration that Russia might escalate further towards Kyiv. “Obama’s argument was twofold: number one, if we start putting weapons in, maybe Putin moves on Kyiv.
Not to get into intelligence, but there were indications that this was possible," he noted. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers,... Read More Location: United States of America (USA) First Published: June 02, 2026, 18:18 IST News world 'Ukraine Was Not That Line': E Aide Admits Obama Was Ready To Go To War For Baltic States Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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