A new assessment by U.S. intelligence agencies shows that the Kremlin believes the war in Iran has reduced Washington’s military capability and has created the conditions for intensifying Russia’s actions against Ukraine and its allies in Europe.

John Ratcliffe, head of the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States, went to Moscow on September 3 on a secret trip and warned Russian officials that a significant escalation of the war in Ukraine could bring Donald Trump, the president of the United States, closer to Volodymyr Zelensky, president of Ukraine.

According to classified U.S. information, Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, views the six-month war with the Iranian government as a factor that weakens Washington’s strategic position. The continuation of the war has reduced the stockpiles of some U.S. weapons, including Patriot systems and Tomahawk missiles, and has increased concerns among Washington’s allies in Europe and Asia.

The Trump administration has denied a serious shortage of ammunition, but has asked weapons manufacturers to increase the speed of production. Sources close to the matter have also not said how the information related to Putin’s assessment was gathered or to what extent the CIA is confident in its accuracy.