US CIA Director Ratcliffe makes secret trip to Moscow

CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Moscow on Tuesday for a meeting, according to sources familiar with the matter cited by media reports. News of the trip emerged after a US Air Force Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft was spotted at a Moscow airport, accompanied by a US diplomatic motorcade.

Neither the US nor the Russian government has officially confirmed the identity of the American official in Russia or the purpose of the visit. According to available information, this would be the first known trip by Ratcliffe to Russia since becoming CIA director, although he has reportedly maintained contacts with Russian intelligence counterparts.

The news was first reported by a journalist on social media, citing sources, and was subsequently picked up by other outlets. It was also noted that the aircraft's route to Moscow passed through Riga, though further details about that stop were not provided.

The circumstances and exact purpose of the visit remain unclear, as neither side has issued an official comment.