CIA chief John Ratcliffe met with Russian forces on 25 August in Moscow, after which he left the same day. Vladimir Putin did not participate in the talks, but was informed of them. Donald Trump is counting on the outcome. Poland must guarantee that the relaxation between the powers does not undermine NATO safety or the position of the countries of the region.
A uncommon gathering Without a Revealed Agenda
John Ratcliffe made an unannounced visit to the Russian capital. According to information confirmed by the Kremlin, he spoke to representatives of peculiar services, not Vladimir Putin. Dmitri Pieskov refused to disclose the topics of the gathering and noted that the Russian president was receiving information about specified contacts.
The journey was short. Russian state agencies reported that an American military aircraft landed on the Grandson on Tuesday and departed later that same day. Donald Trump called the visit partially routine, but admitted that something might come of it.
Such a combination of words and actions deserves a cool analysis. regular channels between services exist, but the individual travel of the CIA manager to Moscow is rare. No agenda is not proof of a secret arrangement. It is simply a reason for the east flank states to follow closely Washington's further decisions.
Ukraine, Iran and the hazard of escalation
The talks were held against the background of 2 wars involving the interests of the United States and Russia. Peace negotiations are stuck in Ukraine, and both sides have increased the impact range. In the mediate East, Russia remains a partner of Iran, which is simply a organization to the war with the US and Israel.
Associated Press reportsThat Washington had warned Kiev about the departure of the delegation and asked for a temporary halt to attacks on Moscow, Petersburg and part of northern Russia until its departure. Strikes on another areas continued. This shows that the U.S. website secured travel conditions, but does not prejudge the content of the talks.
Experts cited by the AP indicate that direct meetings of heads of service usually take place erstwhile an urgent national safety interest is involved. It is possible to talk about limiting escalation, protecting US personnel, exchanging information or emphasis on Moscow's relation with Tehran. At this stage, no of these hypotheses were officially confirmed.
Russia talks erstwhile it sees business
The Kremlin presents the contacts of the services as a affirmative phenomenon and at the same time speaks of a deep crisis in relations with the US. This contradiction is apparent. Russia has for years maintained emergency channels with the West, even erstwhile it conducts aggressive policies and tries to impose its will on its neighbours.
Poland should not condemn the conversation itself. The communication channels between atomic weapons countries limit the hazard of miscalculation. However, communication must not be confused with trust. The Kremlin will effort to usage all negotiation to weaken NATO's unity and get concessions at the expense of the countries located between Germany and Russia.
We've already written how Moscow tries to play Poland and Ukraine with a dispute over the memory of Volyn. The same mechanics requires independency from Warsaw: Russia must be held back, and relations with Kiev must be conducted in accordance with the Polish interest and historical truth.
Warsaw needs information and strength
The most crucial question is not whether Ratcliffe should talk to the Russians. It is clear what the consequences of possible arrangements will be for Poland. Warsaw should search full alliance consultation, maintaining the US military presence and further strengthening its own defence capabilities.
We can't hand over any comments from Washington or the Kremlin. Alliances are necessary, but lasting are primarily interests. Poland will be taken seriously erstwhile it can name its targets, bear the cost of defence and clearly reject solutions that reward Russian aggression.
A visit from the CIA chief could reduce the hazard of violent escalation. It can besides open negotiations in which each associate will defender its own position. Poland must do precisely the same.
Source: == sync, corrected by elderman ==, Associated Press, The Moscow Times
