WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Thursday insisted Russian leader Vladimir Putin would not attack NATO territory, downplaying reports that Washington had warned Moscow against a possible move on Europe. The Kremlin also dismissed the reports as “scare stories” following a rare visit to the Russian capital by CIA Director John Ratcliffe that sparked fevered speculation. “I’ve had good talks with him. He’s not going to be attacking a NATO territory,” Trump told reporters at the White House when asked if Putin had agreed not to do so.

The Wall Street Journal and CBS News reported CIA Director John Ratcliffe aimed to dissuade Russia from attacking NATO members amid US intelligence assessments that Moscow could…

CIA Director John Ratcliffe warned Russia against attacking NATO members during a recent diplomatic visit to Moscow.