US stunned by massive Russian attack on Ukraine after CIA chief’s Moscow visit - Media
Photo: CIA Director John Ratcliffe (Getty Images)
The United States was shocked by Russia’s massive attack on Ukraine immediately after CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s visit to Moscow. Washington and Warsaw are concerned about the ineffectiveness of efforts to deter the Kremlin from further escalation, Onet reports.
According to sources in the Polish government, CIA Director John Ratcliffe warned Russia against attacking NATO countries during his trip to Moscow and called for peace talks.
However, immediately afterward, the Kremlin launched a massive attack on Ukraine, firing 162 drones on the first night and another 258 drones and missiles the following night.
The response surprised US officials, who viewed it as a demonstrative move by the Russian President. The United States began consulting allies in Central Europe in an attempt to understand the real purpose behind the show of force.
Concern in Warsaw and signals from Washington
The situation has caused concern in Poland, as it raises questions about the political effectiveness of US efforts.
Additional concern has been fueled by contradictory statements from US President Donald Trump, who at times praises Ukraine and at other times blames it for rising fuel prices because of strikes on Russian oil refineries.
Warsaw is also paying attention to recent dismissals from key positions at the Pentagon. Against this backdrop, Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz will meet with Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth in Washington to discuss defense contracts and the construction of a permanent US base.
Threat of provocations and sabotage
The defense delegation's visit comes amid a significant escalation. Recently, a Russian drone hit a train near the Polish-Ukrainian border crossing, while another drone was found on a Baltic beach in Jarosławiec.
According to the allies, Russia may be preparing sabotage attacks on energy facilities in Poland or could use equipment falsely marked as Ukrainian to carry out attacks against countries on NATO's eastern flank. In addition, strikes on border areas are intended to disrupt traffic through border crossings and make it more difficult to provide assistance to Kyiv.
The outlet notes that if the Kremlin senses a lack of a strong response, it will seek to apply pressure through force, raising questions about the United States' ability to effectively deter escalation.
It was recently reported by Politico that the United States is discussing whether CIA Director John Ratcliffe could lead negotiations on the war in Ukraine. At the same time, the publication notes that even if this is the case, it is unlikely to bring the long-awaited breakthrough in talks with the aggressor country any closer.
In addition, The Washington Post reported that the Kremlin viewed the US warnings during John Ratcliffe's visit to Moscow as a sign of Western weakness and decided to increase pressure on Kyiv.
