US officials and US President Donald Trump gave different explanations for the purpose of Ratcliffe's visit to Moscow. US officials claimed that the surprise visit, which took place this week, was intended to warn Russia against attacking NATO countries.
The officials said the visit followed assessments by US intelligence that Russian President Vladimir Putin could test NATO's resolve within a few years by attacking an allied country.
Concerns over the Baltic states
US officials expressed concern that Putin, who is bogged down in Ukraine and facing pressure at home, could target one of the Baltic states. Such an intervention could range from cyberattacks to a small-scale ground incursion, they assessed.
The officials also indicated that spending on the Iran War, which has caused ammunition shortages in Western countries, could affect Putin's likelihood of launching an attack.
Different statements from the Kremlin and Trump
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Ratcliffe met with Russian intelligence officials in Moscow. According to Peskov, Ratcliffe did not meet with Vladimir Putin, but the Russian president was briefed on the contacts.
Trump described Ratcliffe's visit to Moscow as "semi-routine." The US president rejected the claim that the visit was linked to possible Russian military threats against NATO or the United Kingdom.