Public figure overview
CIA director John Ratcliffe has flown to Moscow for unannounced talks, with officials saying there are contacts between security services. President Trump says the trip is “semi-routine” and that there is no confirmation of specific aims. Analysts say the visit could affect Ukraine peace talks and Western responses to Iran.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe has visited Moscow after a U.S. C-17 transport landed at Vnukovo, flight-tracking data shows. Russian and U.S. officials have not detailed the meetings. U.S. sources told Axios that Washington asked Kyiv to pause strikes while the delegation travelled; Moscow later confirmed Ratcliffe met Russian security officials.
CIA Director Ratcliffe has visited Moscow for unannounced talks with Russian intelligence officials. Putin has been briefed on the outcome, but no meeting with the president is reported. Officials say the visit, the first CIA head to Moscow since 2021, underscores ongoing strains while signaling potential channels of communication.