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The unannounced visit by the director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to Moscow this week was to deliver a warning to Russia not to attack NATO countries, people briefed on the visit told the Wall Street Journal.

Later on Thursday, Politico reported that the “meeting was primarily to warn Russia against any escalatory action against the Baltic states”, citing a person familiar with the matter.

The visit followed earlier US warnings that Russia could stage a limited attack against Poland or the Baltic states to test NATO’s resolve.

The White House has offered little clarity about the trip, WSJ reported on Thursday, with President Donald Trump publicly downplaying its significance.