CIA Director Ratcliffe in Moscow for Unannounced Talks, US Media Say
US media report that CIA Director John Ratcliffe has travelled to Moscow for unannounced talks, reportedly his first visit to Russia since taking the post. The trip comes as US-led peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine appear to have stalled.
According to US media reports, CIA Director John Ratcliffe has arrived in Moscow for unannounced talks. The trip is believed to be his first visit to Russia since becoming CIA director.
Ratcliffe previously played a role in negotiations that led to the release of Russian-American citizen Ksenia Karelina, who spent more than a year in Russian detention after being accused of providing support to Ukraine. The CIA was also involved in a 2024 prisoner swap with Russia that secured the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former US marine Paul Whelan, and Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva.
Relations between the US and Russia have remained strained since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Since then, Russia has faced international isolation and economic sanctions.
Ratcliffe appears to be among the highest-ranking US officials to visit Russia during President Donald Trump's second term. Last year, Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin at a summit in Alaska, though the meeting produced no breakthrough. Subsequent US-led peace talks between Russia and Ukraine appear to have stalled since then.
