The Kremlin on Thursday dismissed reports by U.S. media outlets alleging Russia could attack a NATO member state, describing the claims as unfounded and alarmist.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that such reports bear no relation to reality or Russia's stated intentions. The denial follows coverage suggesting CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Moscow this week to warn Russian officials against such an action.
Peskov also refuted the premise of Ratcliffe's visit, which U.S. media had framed as a diplomatic mission to deter potential aggression. The Kremlin characterized the reports as speculative and lacking factual basis.
Separately, Russia's SVR foreign intelligence service confirmed a 'working meeting' with Ratcliffe on Thursday morning, though it described the discussions as confidential and confined to matters within the purview of intelligence agencies. No further details on the agenda were disclosed.
The exchange underscores heightened tensions between Russia and Western intelligence services amid ongoing geopolitical friction. U.S. and Russian officials have not publicly commented beyond the Kremlin's statements.
