Ratcliffe gave Kremlin “bleak” analysis of Russia’s position, report says
During his Aug. 25 visit to Moscow, CIA Director John Ratcliffe delivered the agency’s “bleak assessment” of Russia’s prospects in the war against Ukraine, The New York Times reported on Aug. 27, citing sources.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Moscow on August 25 to deliver the agency's "bleak assessment" of Russia's position in the war against Ukraine, according to The New York Times on August 27. The report, citing unnamed sources, revealed that Ratcliffe urged Russian authorities to "cut a deal before their military and economic situation gets worse."
He made the assessment to Aleksandr V. Bortnikov, head of Russia's FSB intelligence service, and offered no threats against Russia if President Vladimir Putin chose to continue fighting. Ratcliffe's visit was reportedly intended to warn Russia against attacking NATO, though it remains unclear if his message signals any changes in U.S. policy toward Russia or Ukraine.
U.S. officials expressed hope that Putin, who is a former intelligence officer, might view Ratcliffe's message as more urgent and credible than traditional diplomatic channels. Some U.S. officials have long questioned whether Putin's advisers provide him with honest assessments of the war's trajectory and toll.
Written by urgent.news from New Voice of Ukraine's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
