CIA Director John Ratcliffe met Russian intelligence officials in Moscow on Tuesday, the first such visit by a US spy chief since 2021, the Kremlin confirmed Wednesday. The talks occur as the Ukraine war escalates and US-Iran diplomatic efforts stall.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Ratcliffe did not meet President Vladimir Putin, though Putin was briefed. Peskov described the discussions as a "positive development" but cautioned it is too early to assess impact on bilateral relations, which remain in their deepest crisis.
US President Donald Trump characterized the visit as "semi-routine" and suggested it concerned the Ukraine conflict. The US reportedly notified Ukraine in advance and requested a pause in strikes on Russia during the delegation's presence.
The specific agenda remains undisclosed; neither the Kremlin nor US officials have detailed whether Iran nuclear negotiations, prisoner exchanges, or other security issues were addressed during the meetings.