Kremlin Says CIA Chief Did Not Meet Putin During Moscow Visit
CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Moscow for contacts between US and Russian intelligence services but did not meet President Vladimir Putin, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. The unexpected visit prompted speculation that the discussions could have involved the war in Ukraine, a potential energy and port strike moratorium, or US intelligence on Russia’s military plans.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Moscow for intelligence service contacts, but did not meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed. "Contacts with Putin were not planned," Peskov stated to TASS, adding that Ratcliffe's visit was for "contacts between special services." Peskov did not provide further details.
Ratcliffe's plane unexpectedly landed at Moscow's Vnukovo Airport on Tuesday, and a US diplomatic vehicle was seen traveling through the city. Initially, the Kremlin had no information about the arrival, leading to speculation. The visit may have been to discuss US intelligence on Russia's military plans, potential ceasefire agreements, or additional parties in negotiations, according to former US Deputy Director of National Intelligence Beth Sanner.
Ukrainian media suggested the visit could involve discussions on a Russian-Ukrainian moratorium on strikes against energy infrastructure and ports, as well as a possible ceasefire in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions. Ratcliffe, who became CIA director in January 2025, previously served as US director of national intelligence from 2020 to 2021.
His predecessor, William Burns, met Russian officials in Moscow in November 2021 to discuss Russian troop movements near Ukraine.
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