Trump calls CIA chief's Moscow trip a semi-routine visit amid Ukraine war
Donald Trump described CIA director John Ratcliffe's recent trip to Moscow as a “semi-routine” mission, suggesting it focused on the Ukraine conflict.
During a conversation with conservative radio host Glenn Beck, Donald Trump characterized CIA director John Ratcliffe’s Aug. 25 trip to Moscow as “semi-routine,” hinting that the agenda involved the Ukraine war. Ratcliffe is among the most senior U.S. officials to travel to Russia since the full-scale invasion started in 2022, a period when civilian casualties have risen sharply and U.S.-mediated peace negotiations have stalled.
The Kremlin acknowledged that Ratcliffe held contacts with Russian special services but did not meet President Vladimir Putin, and spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the president was briefed without confirming whether the war was discussed. The last CIA chief to visit Moscow was William Burns in November 2021, shortly before Russia launched its large-scale attack. Trump dismissed speculation that Ratcliffe was addressing NATO resolve or pressure on Iran, emphasizing the shared desire to end the conflict. The remarks come as the United States continues to seek diplomatic avenues to resolve the crisis.
Why it matters
The visit signals ongoing U.S.-Russia dialogue about the Ukraine war, a key factor in international efforts to end the conflict.
How this story developed
- Aug 25 CIA Director John Ratcliffe makes surprise visit to Moscow amid strained US-Russia ties
- Aug 25 Washington warned allies to sever business ties with Iran under threat of secondary sanctions.
- Aug 26 John Ratcliffe was identified as being on the C‑17 that landed in Moscow.
- Aug 26 Kremlin spokesman said Putin had been informed of Ratcliffe's discussions with Russian security services.
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