Key facts
- CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Moscow on August 25.
- Ratcliffe reportedly warned Russia against escalating actions toward NATO members and against support for Iran.
- Russia's foreign spy chief Sergei Naryshkin confirmed meeting with Ratcliffe.
- Estonia and Latvia stated their assessment of Russia's threat has not changed.
- Latvia's Prime Minister stated the risk of direct military invasion is low.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe made an unannounced visit to Moscow on August 25, reportedly to warn Russia against escalatory actions toward NATO members and to urge a reduction in support for Iran. Sergei Naryshkin, head of Russia's SVR foreign intelligence service, confirmed the meeting, describing it as a discussion of sensitive intelligence matters. President Donald Trump characterized the trip as 'semi-routine.'
Following the visit, Estonia and Latvia reiterated their vigilance regarding Russia but stated their overall threat assessment remains unchanged. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna emphasized the need for allies to make it clear to Moscow that NATO's collective defense is rock-solid. Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs downplayed immediate fears, stating the risk of direct military invasion is currently low and cautioning against politicizing the security situation for election campaigns.
U.S. Republican lawmaker Don Bacon called for the return of 5,000 troops to Poland and the Baltic states as a deterrent. Latvia and Lithuania have also requested increased EU financial support for securing the bloc's eastern border.