US Priorities & Russia's Miscalculation US Ambassador to #NATO Whitaker stated that while the alliance is vital for European defense, security ranks only fourth in US priorities. President #Trump demands allies be self-reliant to project global power. Meanwhile, CIA Director Ratcliff warned #Moscow during secret talks that #Putin believes the US is weakened by a hypothetical six-month war with #Iran . Washington fears #Russia sees an opportunity to pressure US interests.