CIA chief made secret Moscow trip amid NATO escalation fears
Why it matters: The visit was reported as a warning to Russia against moves involving the Baltic states and NATO territory.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled quietly to Moscow as concern grew in Washington over possible Russian escalation beyond Ukraine, according to the BBC report. One US official cited by Politico said the trip was mainly meant to warn Russia against taking any escalatory action involving the Baltic states. The report said the mission followed intelligence assessments that President Vladimir Putin could be planning a limited assault on a NATO ally. It also pointed to rising tension after Ukrainian long-range drone strikes hit Russian energy sites and after Russia threatened retaliation over British missiles used by Ukraine. Lithuania and the Suwalki Gap were highlighted as particular flashpoints because of their strategic importance to NATO and Russia.