rki.news | Sources Xinhua
Washington, August 27: U.S. Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe visited Moscow this week to warn Russia against attacking NATO member states, U.S. media reported Wednesday, citing people familiar with the trip.
The Wall Street Journal said the visit followed new U.S. intelligence assessments suggesting that Russian President Vladimir Putin could test NATO’s resolve with a limited assault on an allied country within the next few years.
Ratcliffe held talks with Russian intelligence officials but did not meet Putin, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, adding that the Russian president was briefed on the discussions.
The CIA chief also raised Iran during the talks and warned of additional sanctions if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed to shipping traffic, CBS News reported.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed Ratcliffe’s Moscow visit in an interview with radio host Glenn Beck, describing it as a “semi-routine” trip and saying that “something may come out of” the discussions.
It was Ratcliffe’s first publicly known visit to Russia since becoming CIA director.
The visit comes amid concerns over Russia-NATO relations and tensions surrounding Iran and international shipping.