CIA Director Ratcliffe makes surprise visit to Moscow

CIA Director John Ratcliffe made an unannounced visit to Moscow on Tuesday, marking the first such trip by a US spy chief since 2021. Washington had requested a pause in strikes by Ukrainian forces during Ratcliffe’s four-hour stay. The purpose of the visit remains unclear, but it may have included discussions on prisoner releases or Russia’s support for Iran.

Recent intelligence suggests that Russia, under pressure from battlefield losses and economic challenges, might launch limited attacks on NATO members. The CIA chief was reportedly there to warn Moscow against such escalation, according to a former intelligence official quoted by The Wall Street Journal.

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