CIA director warned Russia not to attack NATO countries during Moscow trip: Sources

CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Moscow earlier this week in part to warn Russia not to attack NATO countries, sources familiar with the trip told ABC News. Ratcliffe also brought up Iran during the meetings in Moscow, one source said. The Wall Street Journal was first to report the purpose of the trip. The CIA declined to comment on the trip. CIA Director John Ratcliffe listens during a House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence hearing to examine worldwide threats, Thursday, March 19, 2026, on Capitol Hill in Washington.Tom Brenner/APPresident Donald Trump confirmed Ratcliffe's visit earlier Wednesday in an interview with Glenn Beck, but called the visit "semi-routine." Popular ReadsWhen asked if it had to do with increased Russian aggression against NATO or the increased Iranian economic pressure, Trump claimed it was none of those reasons.A spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin told reporters Ratcliffe was in contact with Russian intelligence agencies but did not meet with Putin.