CIA chief met Russian intelligence services but not Putin, Kremlin says
John Ratcliffe travelled to the Russian capital on Tuesday in a rare and unannounced visit.
On Tuesday, the head of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), John Ratcliffe, met with Russian intelligence services, though not with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to the Kremlin. The secretive meeting, conducted on a military plane, has sparked speculation about its purpose. US President Donald Trump described the encounter as "semi-routine" and expressed a desire to see an end to the war in Ukraine.
The Kremlin's press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, confirmed that contacts were made with Russian intelligence but denied any meetings with Putin. Peskov stated that Putin is promptly briefed on all matters. The visit was likely aimed at warning Russia to cease its unconventional warfare tactics against NATO countries, although it remains uncertain if Moscow will heed such advice.
This marks Ratcliffe's first known trip to Russia since the second term of President Trump began. Despite strained relations due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, direct communication between Washington and Moscow on intelligence and security issues persists.
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