The head of the CIA arrived in Moscow amid concerns about mobilization in Russia
Washington is also monitoring the Kremlin's ties with Iran
Director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency John Ratcliffe arrived in Moscow amid Washington‘s concerns about possible Russia plans for military mobilization and testing the readiness of NATO countries for a potential confrontation. The The Wall Street Journal wrote about this.
According to the paper, American intelligence obtained information about a possible initial stage of Russia‘s preparation for mobilization. At the same time, Washington has data on a likely intent by the Kremlin to test NATO‘s resolve.
Analysts suggest that one of the aims of the visit could have been a meeting between the head of the CIA and representatives of the Russian leadership, including Vladimir Putin. It is likely that during such a meeting the American side could have delivered a warning that it knows about possible intentions of Moscow and urged not to take corresponding steps.
This assessment was expressed by former deputy director of U.S. National Intelligence Beth Sanner. She suggested that the American signal could have concerned the U.S. awareness of possible plans by the Russian leadership and a call to abandon them.
At the same time, the topics of the trip may not have been limited to issues related to Russia and NATO. According to Beth Sanner, they may have included talks about a ceasefire in Iran, as well as a possible expansion of the circle of participants in discussions about a truce.
Another direction could have been Kremlin support for Iran after the U.S. introduced a new round of sanctions against the Iranian regime. Thus, the visit by the head of American intelligence may have concerned several separate issues:
- possible military plans of Russia;
- relations between Moscow and Tehran;
- prospects for a ceasefire and further negotiations.
On the evening of August 25, the plane with John Ratcliffe on board already left Moscow.
It was also noted that Ukraine lacks €23 billion for defense.
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