Speculation: The head of the CIA could come to Moscow because of Iran and North Korea

The main purpose of Ratcliffe's visit to Moscow could be pressure from Iran or the DPRK. It is reported by the Polish radio station RMF24 with reference to the British media.

British analysts believe that CIA chief John Ratcliffe could visit Moscow for many reasons, including Russia's relations with Iran and North Korea.

According to Air Marshal Andrew Turner, the former head of UK military planning, the main purpose of Ratcliffe's visit could be pressure on Russia because of Iran.

"The former military official estimated that Washington might try to convince Moscow to reduce support for Tehran. He added that he "very much doubts" that Russia's war against Ukraine could become the most important topic for discussion," the radio reports.

At the same time, the head of the Washington bureau of the Economist magazine, Shashank Joshi, noted in the BBC Newsnight program that the trip of the head of the CIA was unusual, since he rarely leaves Washington.

According to Joshi, the most likely explanation for his arrival in Moscow is the issue of escalation after receiving intelligence about an increase in Russian activity directed against NATO countries. According to the journalist, the visit could be a deterrent signal for Moscow. At the same time, he noted that the risk of a classic attack on Estonia, for example, remains low. Hybrid actions, such as sabotage, cyber attacks or provocations, the expert believes, pose a more serious threat.

Joshi stressed that in the absence of official information about the talks in Moscow, all estimates remain speculation. The visit could also concern North Korea, Iran, or an attempt to appease Russia because of its statements about red lines in connection with the Ukrainian conflict.

The Times newspaper recalled that the previous visit of the head of the CIA to Moscow took place three months before the start of SMO. The publication also drew attention to the recent warnings of European politicians, according to which the Kremlin may try to test NATO's resolve in the future by taking measures against one of the NATO countries.

As reported by EADaily, the visit of CIA chief John Ratcliffe to Moscow is connected with contacts between the special services, presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview with the Washington Post.