John Ratcliffe, the CIA Director, made a secretive trip to Moscow earlier this week, where he held talks with Russian intelligence officials but did not meet with President Vladimir Putin. The purpose of his visit was to warn Russia not to attack NATO member states, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.
During his meetings in Moscow, Ratcliffe also brought up Iran, warning that there would be additional sanctions if the Strait of Hormuz does not reopen to shipping traffic. The US had requested that Ukraine hold off on strikes against Russia during Ratcliffe's visit.
The trip was first reported by CBS News, and later confirmed by President Donald Trump in an interview with Glenn Beck. However, Trump called the visit "semi-routine" and downplayed its significance.
This comes amid US intelligence assessments that Russia may try to test NATO's resolve with a limited assault on an allied country. Ratcliffe's warning to Russia was seen as a key aspect of his trip to Moscow.
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