CIA Director John Ratcliffe warned Russia against attacking NATO member states during a secretive Moscow visit, according to reports. The discussions also reportedly covered Iran and possible sanctions linked to the Strait of Hormuz. The visit came amid US concerns that Moscow could test NATO through cyberattacks or other hybrid actions.

Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director John Ratcliffe warned Russia against attacking NATO member states during a secretive visit to Moscow this week amid US intelligence assessments that Moscow could seek to test the military alliance, according to multiple people familiar with the matter.

Ratcliffe also raised Iran during the visit, warning Russia of additional sanctions if the Strait of Hormuz was not reopened to shipping traffic, the people told CBS News.

The visit, Ratcliffe's first known trip to Russia as CIA director, came to light on Tuesday after a US Air Force jet was spotted arriving at a Moscow airport and a diplomatic motorcade was seen moving through the city.

Ukraine was informed that a US delegation would travel to Moscow and was asked to refrain from strikes for the duration of the visit, according to a senior Ukrainian official.