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CIA Director John Ratcliffe on secret trip in Russia
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- CIA Director John Ratcliffe is in Moscow for meetings, marking his first known trip to Russia as CIA director, according to sources familiar with the situation.
- The visit follows sightings of a U.S. Air Force transport plane and a diplomatic motorcade at a Moscow airport, though neither the U.S. nor Russian governments have confirmed details about the trip.
- Ratcliffe has maintained contact with Russian intelligence and has been involved in recent U.S.-Russia detainee exchanges, including negotiations for the release of Ksenia Karelina, Evan Gershkovich, and Paul Whelan.
- The visit occurs amid stalled U.S.-mediated peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, with significant disagreements remaining between the parties.
- The CIA has not yet commented on Ratcliffe’s trip, and this visit contrasts with former CIA Director William Burns’ 2021 Moscow meetings, which included direct talks with President Vladimir Putin.
