‘An Excellent Idea’: CIA Chief’s Kyiv Briefings Around Secret Moscow Talks Hailed

Former US Ambassador Daniel Fried called reported briefings to Kyiv before and after CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s secret Moscow talks an “excellent idea.”

The unusual mission comes as Trump searches for a new diplomatic route to end Russia's war in Ukraine, while Moscow continues to escalate attacks and resist Washington's efforts to reset relations.

John Ratcliffe met with his Russian counterpart this week to discuss Nato, the wars in Ukraine and Iran, according to reports

Russia is preparing to escalate attacks on Ukraine after concluding that negotiations for a peace deal have reached a dead end, according to three people close to the Kremlin. Bloomberg's Anthony Halpin has the details. (Source: Bloomberg)

When the existence of the channel became known, the reaction among the heads of Israel’s security branches was one of complete shock.

The director of the CIA made a surprise visit to Moscow for talks with Russian officials, but both capitals remained tight-lipped on purpose of the trip.

THE head of the United States Central Intelligence Agency travelled to the Russian capital Moscow for unannounced talks, according to US media. Neither Washington or Moscow have confirmed the nature of the visit by CIA director John Ratcliffe or who he was due to meet. There has been no response for comment from Moscow

Ukraine suspended strikes on Moscow and other Russian cities at Washington’s request while CIA director John Ratcliffe made a secret visit to the Russian capital.

Kremlin says US spy chief held talks with Russian counterparts during Moscow visit  Reuters

MOSCOW, Aug 26 - U.S. CIA Director John Ratcliffe held talks with Russian intelligence officials during his visit to Moscow on Tuesday but did not meet President Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin said on Wednesday.

European countries have every reason to be concerned over John Ratcliffe's visit to Russia

Sarah Hooper | Live News Reporter Published August 26, 2026 9:34am Updated August 26, 2026 9:41am Photos of what appeared to be an American motorcade were shared in Moscow(Pictures: Getty/AFP) The head of the CIA reportedly travelled to Moscow for undisclosed talks. CBS reported that John Ratcliffe arrived in Russia ea

Why the new American left should take up the quest for peace if the Democratic Party wins control of Congress this November, and of the presidency in 2028.

US media outlets say John Ratcliffe was in Russia to attend meetings. Flight tracking websites had earlier detected the arrival of a US military transport plane at Moscow's Vnukovo Airport.

CIA director makes unannounced visit to Moscow to meet with Russian officials, source says  CNN

The reports come after a U.S. military transport plane landed in the Russian capital, which the Kremlin claimed it knew nothing about.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe flew to Russia to holds talks in Moscow Tuesday, according to a person with knowledge of the matter.