Tensions between Washington and Moscow reach a new peak. According to revelations by the Wall Street Journal, the recent visit to Moscow by the CIA director, John Ratcliffe — the first in the Russian capital with public confirmation — reportedly had the main purpose of delivering a direct warning to the Kremlin: Russia must not attack NATO countries.

An unexpected trip that US President Donald Trump described as "almost routine," but which fits into the context of new and concerning assessments by American intelligence.

Washington's Fears: Intelligence Fears a Test of NATO

According to reports from US intelligence led by Ratcliffe, Russian President Vladimir Putin could consider the idea of testing the resolve of the Atlantic Alliance through limited assaults in the coming years.

• Risk scenarios: US officials fear that Putin, pressured by the situation in Ukraine and at home, might opt for a small-scale land incursion (probably against a Baltic nation) or a large-scale cyberattack.
• The supplies factor: In the Kremlin's strategic calculations, "critical" shortages of Western ammunition could also weigh, presumably linked to their massive use in the conflict in Iran.

Verbal Escalation and Kremlin Threats

On the other side, Moscow continues to harden its position, responding to Western moves with explicit threats.

• The threat to the UK: Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Maria Zakharova stated that Moscow's response to Ukrainian attacks conducted with British weapons could extend to UK military facilities located outside Ukrainian territory.
• The "no" to NATO troops: The Kremlin reiterated that the deployment of foreign military contingents from NATO countries in Ukrainian territory is "unacceptable". The position comes in response to French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement regarding the fall exercises of the "Multinational Force for Ukraine" scheduled for October and November.

The Coalition of the Willing Accelerates, Italy Uses Common Sense

While the United Kingdom (with authorization to share classified Storm Shadow missile projects to accelerate local production) and France push the accelerator on military support, Europe registers important distinctions.

During the latest meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, Premier Giorgia Meloni — connected via video — confirmed Italy's humanitarian support through the sending of new generators. However, sources from Palazzo Chigi immediately clarified that Italy will not participate in the October and November exercises, reaffirming the government's line opposed to sending Italian soldiers to Ukraine.