Overview
- CIA Director John Ratcliffe made a rare trip to Moscow this week and met his Russian counterpart, a visit U.S. officials confirmed but have not publicly detailed.
- President Donald Trump told reporters he does not believe Vladimir Putin will attack NATO territory and described Ratcliffe’s trip as routine.
- The Kremlin dismissed media reports of a planned strike as “scare stories,” while Russian security officials confirmed the meeting and downplayed its significance.
- U.S. intelligence reporting cited by media warns Moscow could try a limited incursion this fall to test NATO’s resolve, a risk that European officials say is reinforced by a rise in drone incursions, airspace violations and suspected false-flag acts.
- Pentagon officials are pressing NATO members to clarify how they will increase conventional defenses as Washington reviews U.S. troop levels in Europe, a move that could shift more security burdens to European governments and affect civilian readiness.