CIA Director John Ratcliffe travels to Moscow for high-level meetings with Russian officials.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe is currently in Moscow, Russia, for a series of meetings with Russian intelligence counterparts. The visit marks Ratcliffe's first known trip to Russia since becoming director, though he has maintained consistent contact with Russian officials throughout his tenure. Before the trip, the U.S. requested that Ukraine suspend strikes until the delegation's departure. The visit occurs during a period where U.S. intelligence assessments suggest Vladimir Putin may be more willing to authorize provocative actions against NATO members to test the resolve of the administration. Ratcliffe has been instrumental in recent detainee exchanges, including the release of Ksenia Karelina and the 2024 prisoner exchange involving Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan. His visit follows the precedent set by former director William Burns, who traveled to Moscow in 2021 to warn Putin against invading Ukraine.