Kremlin downplays chance CIA chief’s visit will improve ties

The Kremlin has expressed doubts about the potential for the recent visit by CIA Director John Ratcliffe to Russia to improve relations between the United States and Russia. Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov stated that bilateral talks between the intelligence services of both nations are a "positive process," but cautioned that it is "too early to say to what extent this will affect the overall process of bringing our bilateral relations out of the deepest crisis they are currently in."

Peskov confirmed that Ratcliffe had traveled to Moscow for discussions with Russian intelligence officials, but noted that Ratcliffe did not meet with President Vladimir Putin. No further details were provided about the talks between Ratcliffe and his Russian counterparts. Additionally, Peskov indicated that the Kremlin is not presently planning any meetings with other high-ranking U.S. officials.