CIA chief used Moscow visit to warn Russia against attacks on NATO allies, helping Iran
John Ratcliffe urged Russia to hold back from striking Baltic nations and to reduce its support to Iran during his brief trip to the Russian capital.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Moscow this week to warn Russian officials against escalating conflict with NATO allies, specifically Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. This visit, which the administration did not officially acknowledge until today, is believed to be the first such unannounced trip to Russia by a CIA director under President Donald Trump.
Additionally, Ratcliffe used the opportunity to press Russia to reduce military and economic support for Iran. News of the trip sparked speculation in Washington and Europe due to its rarity. This comes as Russia and Ukraine engage in an intensifying series of drone and missile strikes far from the front lines, and as Russia has issued threats against NATO countries supporting Ukraine.
Ratcliffe's primary objective during the visit was to warn Russia against any escalatory action against the Baltic states. The White House denied any speculation that Ratcliffe was trying to persuade Putin not to test NATO's resolve or attack the U.K.
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