US officials suggested that Ratcliffe’s surprise visit to Moscow this week was intended to warn Russia against attacking NATO countries.
They said the visit came after US intelligence assessments that Russian President Vladimir Putin could test NATO’s resolve by attacking an allied country within the next few years.
Concerns that Putin could target one of the Baltic states
US officials said there were concerns that Putin, facing difficulties in Ukraine and pressure at home, could target a Baltic state. The possible intervention was assessed as ranging from cyberattacks to a limited ground incursion.
Officials also indicated that spending on the Iran War, which has led to ammunition shortages in Western countries, could affect Putin’s likelihood of launching an attack.
Statements from the Kremlin and Trump
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Ratcliffe held talks with Russian intelligence officials in Moscow. Peskov said Ratcliffe did not meet with Putin, but the Russian president was briefed on the contacts.
US President Donald Trump described Ratcliffe’s visit to Moscow as “semi-routine.” Trump rejected claims that the visit was connected to possible Russian military threats against NATO or the United Kingdom.