CIA Director John Ratcliffe on secret trip in Russia

CIA Director John Ratcliffe is currently in Moscow, Russia for confidential meetings, according to sources familiar with the matter. The news of his trip surfaced after a U.S. Air Force Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport plane was observed at a Moscow airport, alongside a U.S. diplomatic convoy. Neither the American nor Russian authorities have disclosed the identity of the U.S. official in Russia or the reason for his visit.

The CIA has not yet commented on the matter, but this marks Ratcliffe's first known visit to Russia in his role as CIA director, despite his ongoing communications with Russian intelligence agencies.

This assignment marks a shift from previous interactions between the U.S. and Russia, as the CIA has been instrumental in recent prisoner exchanges between the two nations. In April 2025, Ratcliffe personally brokered the release of Ksenia Karelina, a U.S.-Russian dual citizen, and earlier in 2024, the CIA played a pivotal role in securing the freedom of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Marine veteran Paul Whelan.

Former CIA Director William Burns visited Moscow in November 2021, where he met with top Russian officials and had a direct conversation with President Vladimir Putin. The aim of his meeting was to caution Putin against any military action in Ukraine. Ratcliffe's current visit is taking place at a time when U.S.-mediated peace negotiations with Ukraine are still at a standstill, with both parties maintaining significant differences on key issues.