WSJ: CIA Chief’s Surprise Moscow Trip Was to Warn Russia Not to Attack NATO
Ratcliffe also pressed Moscow to curb support for Iran and warned of additional sanctions if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, sources said.
- On Wednesday, Ratcliffe secretly flew to Moscow to urge Russian officials to stop sharing weapons and defense technology with Iran and avoid 'overreacting' to sanctions.
- Mirroring his clandestine trip to Cuba in May, the visit reflects Trump's strategy of deploying Ratcliffe for tense diplomatic negotiations with major adversaries.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent threatened on Monday to expand sanctions on countries maintaining ties with Iran, while Russia has reportedly bolstered Tehran's drone arsenal and may help pinpoint strikes against U.S. facilities in the Middle East.
- Ratcliffe, widely viewed as a Russia hawk, addressed concerns over the Kremlin's 'short-of-war' techniques—sabotage and cyberattacks—used to undermine allies in Europe without triggering broader NATO retaliation.
- Official silence surrounds the flight, with spokespeople for the embassies of Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia declining comment, while a Treasury Department spokesperson did not respond on Wednesday.
144 Articles
144 Articles
Politico, WSJ: CIA director visited Moscow to warn Kremlin against attacking NATO countries
CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Moscow to warn Russian officials against attacking NATO member states, particularly Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, according to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal and Politico.
Here's What CIA Chief Was Apparently Doing in Russia
CIA Director John Ratcliffe's quiet trip to Moscow this week wasn't a courtesy call. Multiple sources tell outlets including the Wall Street Journal , CBS News , and ABC News he delivered a blunt message: Don't move against NATO countries, amid US intelligence indicating Russia may probe the alliance's resolve through cyberattacks...
It has been alleged that the purpose of CIA Director John Ratcliffe's secret visit to Russia was to warn Russian officials to refrain from attacks against NATO member states and the Baltic states.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 36% of the sources lean Left, 36% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium









































