Why Did John Ratcliffe Go to Moscow?
Despite Trump’s claims, the CIA director’s visit was anything but routine. It might be a sign that Putin is getting more dangerous.
TL;DR
- CIA Director John Ratcliffe made an unannounced trip to Moscow, identified by open-source analysts.
- The purpose of the visit is unknown, but it is considered rare and potentially a warning to Russia against escalation.
- Russia is experiencing heavy losses in Ukraine, which could make Putin more reckless and prone to attacking NATO states.
- There have been several low-level attacks across Europe, some attributed to Moscow, following a pattern of Russian provocations.
- Putin may be preparing for a large-scale mobilization for a renewed offensive in Ukraine and to overwhelm its energy grid.
- If Ukraine survives the winter and continues to strike deep into Russia, Putin might seek a favorable deal in 2027.
- The U.S. has options to deter Putin, such as warning Moscow that continued deniable attacks in Europe would lead to U.S. support for Ukrainian access to Starlink within Russia.
- Ratcliffe also stopped in Latvia, with the Latvian prime minister calling the trip a 'very good signal' for European security.