August 27, 2026
In this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin meets with representatives of international news agencies on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum at the Constantine Palace in Saint Petersburg on June 4, 2026. (Photo by Valery SHARIFULIN / POOL / AFP)
The Kremlin on Thursday dismissed as “scare stories” US media reports suggesting that Russia could attack NATO, following a rare visit by the CIA director to Moscow.
The Wall Street Journal and CBS News reported that CIA Director John Ratcliffe had sought to dissuade Russia from attacking NATO members, amid US intelligence assessments that Moscow could seek to test the alliance.
The Journal reported that President Vladimir Putin could test NATO with a “limited assault” within the next few years.
