The CIA’s "Secret" Moscow Trip & Putin’s Growing Problems | EYES ON GEOPOLITICS

31. august 2026 · 1h 1m

In this episode, we break down CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s surprise trip to Moscow, what it may signal about U.S. concerns over Russian escalation, and Estonia’s warning that Putin is increasingly boxed into “only bad options.” We also look at the growing economic pressure inside Iran, divisions within the regime, and whether the U.S. has a coherent strategy for turning military, economic, intelligence, and covert pressure into actual political results.
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"Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio"
00:00 – Start
01:59 – Why Did CIA Director John Ratcliffe Go to Moscow?
05:17 – Was Ratcliffe Warning Russia About NATO?
08:33 – U.S. Intelligence, Strategic Surprise & Defending Europe
11:04 – Can the U.S. Defend NATO While Fighting Iran?
14:00 – Russian Sabotage Operations Across Europe
16:19 – Ratcliffe’s Meetings With the FSB & SVR Chiefs
22:23 – GRU Operations, Assassinations & Sabotage in Europe
26:07 – Estonia’s Intel Chief Warns Putin Has “Only Bad Options”
29:59 – Could Russia Face an Elite Revolt Against Putin?
34:11 – Russia’s Casualties, Oligarchs & the Risk of Mobilization
38:31 – Is Estonia Sending a Message to Russia’s Elite?
41:44 – Six Months Into the Iran War & “Economic D-Day”
44:46 – Divisions Inside Iran Over Ending the War
48:03 – How Long Can Iran Survive the Economic Pressure?
49:03 – Should the U.S. Be Arming Opposition Groups Inside Iran?
53:36 – Why the U.S. Iran Strategy Still Lacks a Coherent Campaign
56:51 – Andy Milburn’s Upcoming Gaza War Book
58:18 – Jonathan Hackett’s Books & Upcoming Audiobook
59:27 – Upcoming Fiction Book & Closing Remarks

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The CIA’s "Secret" Moscow Trip & Putin’s Growing Problems | EYES ON GEOPOLITICS

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