CIA Director Ratcliffe may take lead in US negotiations on Ukraine – media
Director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency John Ratcliffe may take on a more prominent role in Washington's diplomatic efforts to end Russia's war against Ukraine, as President Donald Trump's administration is considering changing the composition and division of responsibilities within its negotiating team, the Financial Times reports.
The Financial Times reports that the Director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, John Ratcliffe, may assume a more significant role in the United States' diplomatic initiatives aimed at resolving Russia's conflict with Ukraine. According to the publication, the White House is contemplating alterations to the structure and allocation of duties within its negotiation team.
The sources indicate that the administration is contemplating a reduction in the involvement of U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who have thus far been instrumental in communication with both Moscow and Kyiv.
Officials familiar with Ratcliffe's plans have conveyed to European counterparts that he will assume a more substantial role in shuttle diplomacy between Russia and Ukraine, a responsibility currently handled by Witkoff and Kushner. They maintain contact with intelligence operatives in both nations during this process. While Trump has not yet made a definitive decision, the prospect of expanding Ratcliffe's involvement is met with approval in European capitals, which are keen to restore a productive diplomatic process after an extended period of minimal progress.
These negotiations have stalled due to President Putin's resistance to abandon the Kremlin's primary demands.
The U.S. administration is contemplating a shift in the negotiating team following the unsuccessful attempts to achieve a peace agreement in late February. Despite the potential reorganization, Ukrainian officials have not indicated a preference for who should lead U.S. efforts to terminate the war. Three high-ranking Ukrainian officials told the FT that Kyiv maintains productive working relationships with Ratcliffe, Witkoff, and Kushner.
They have expressed satisfaction with all three individuals, stating that they are content with Ratcliffe, as well as with Kushner and Witkoff. The Ukrainian officials emphasized that the main issue remains the Russians' stance.
Written by urgent.news from Interfax-Ukraine's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
