CIA Director John Ratcliffe Visited Moscow and Made Contact with Russian Intelligence
The Kremlin announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin was informed about CIA Director John Ratcliffe's visit to Moscow and that contacts took place.
The Kremlin confirmed the visit of US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director John Ratcliffe to Moscow and the contacts he established with Russian special services.
Details of the Visit and Statements
The Kremlin announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin was informed of CIA Director John Ratcliffe's visit to the country. Russia stated that during Ratcliffe's first visit to Moscow, he made contact with special services, but did not hold any meeting with Putin.
Nature of the Intelligence Contacts
Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that contacts were established through intelligence agencies, but no meeting of any kind took place with the Russian President. Peskov described the US intelligence chief's talks with Russian intelligence as a positive development.
Mysterious Flight and Expectations
Flightradar24 data had shown a US military C-17 aircraft flying to Moscow via Latvia. Although it was reported that Ratcliffe was on board the aircraft, the purpose of the visit was not officially disclosed, and it was emphasized that it was too early to overcome the tension in relations.