CIA chief John Ratcliffe met Russian intelligence officials in Moscow, Kremlin confirms

US CIA Director John Ratcliffe held talks with Russian intelligence officials during his first known visit to Moscow, the Kremlin said on Wednesday, adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin was aware of the trip but did not meet the US spy chief.

The visit came after reports of a US military aircraft landing in Moscow sparked speculation over the purpose of Ratcliffe’s trip.

Ratcliffe held talks with Russian intelligence

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Ratcliffe had contacts with Russian special services but said there was no direct meeting with Putin.

"There were contacts through the intelligence agencies, but there were no meetings of any kind with the Russian president," Peskov said, as quoted by AFP.

Peskov described the discussions between the intelligence agencies as a “positive development”. He had earlier told Reuters that Putin was not expected to meet Ratcliffe.

The Kremlin also said Putin had been informed about the CIA director’s visit.

Mystery plane sparked speculation

The trip became public after flight-tracking data showed a US military C-17 aircraft travelling to Latvia before heading to Moscow. Reports said Ratcliffe was aboard the plane, although the purpose of his visit was not officially disclosed.

The visit would mark the first known trip to Moscow by a serving US intelligence chief since former CIA Director William Burns met Putin in November 2021.

Around three months after that meeting, Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine.

US intelligence warns of Russian actions

Ratcliffe’s visit comes amid continued tensions between Washington and Moscow and growing concerns over Russia’s intentions towards NATO countries.

According to a CBS News report, US intelligence has indicated that Putin is considering "provocative actions" against NATO allies, including Ukraine.

There was no immediate official confirmation from the CIA about Ratcliffe’s visit or the discussions held in Moscow.

Ukraine asked to avoid strikes near Moscow

Reuters reported that the US had asked Ukraine to avoid carrying out air strikes near Moscow, St Petersburg and northern Russia for three days because a senior US official was travelling to Moscow.

The request was reportedly aimed at reducing risks during the official’s visit.

Future of US-Russia ties remains unclear

The Kremlin, while describing the intelligence contacts positively, said it was “too early” to determine whether tensions between Washington and Moscow could ease.

US-Russia relations have also been strained by Moscow’s ties with Iran. Iran has supplied drones to Russia, while Ukraine has accused Russia of providing military assistance to Iran. Moscow has denied the allegation.