During his visit to Moscow, CIA Director John Ratcliffe also discussed the war with Iran, warning of additional sanctions if the Strait of Hormuz doesn't reopen to shipping traffic. | REUTERS
AFP-JIJI
Aug 27, 2026
WASHINGTON – A highly unusual trip by the CIA director to Moscow this week was to warn Russia against any attack on NATO member states, U.S. media reported Wednesday, after President Donald Trump sought to downplay the visit.
The Wall Street Journal and CBS News reported CIA Director John Ratcliffe aimed to dissuade Russia from attacking NATO members amid U.S. intelligence assessments that Moscow could seek to test the alliance.
The Journal specified that Putin could test the North Atlantic Treaty Organization with a “limited assault” in the next few years.
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