CIA Director John Ratcliffe travelled to Moscow earlier this week to deliver warnings to Russia against attacking NATO countries, sources familiar with the trip told ABC News. Ratcliffe visited in part to convey that message to Russian counterparts, the sources said. The meetings took place in Moscow, according to one source, who added that Ratcliffe also raised the issue of Iran during discussions. Purpose Of The TripThe Wall Street Journal first reported that Ratcliffe’s visit was linked to warnings concerning NATO. The CIA declined to comment on the trip when asked about the reports. ABC News said the information about the trip’s aim came from people familiar with the discussions Ratcliffe held while in Russia. Warnings Over NATO And IranIn addition to the warning about potential attacks on NATO members, Ratcliffe brought up Iran during the meetings, one source said. The Kremlin has faced growing scrutiny over its actions and posture towards Europe, while US officials have also highlighted concerns about Iran’s regional activity and broader international pressures. No further details about what was discussed in Moscow were provided by the sources cited by ABC News. Trump Confirms Visit, Russia Says No Meeting With PutinPresident Donald Trump confirmed Ratcliffe’s trip earlier on Wednesday in an interview with Glenn Beck. Trump described the visit as “semi-routine” and said it was not connected to increased Russian aggression against NATO or to increased Iranian economic pressure, when asked about the reasons for the travel. A spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin told reporters that Ratcliffe was in contact with Russian intelligence agencies, but did not meet with Putin. The CIA director’s trip comes amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Moscow, particularly around NATO and security issues in Europe. Join the discussion? 27 August 2026
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