Secret Negotiations in Moscow: New Details on CIA Director's Visit

New information has emerged regarding the meetings held by CIA Director John Ratcliffe during his visit to Moscow. According to the New York Times, citing sources, Ratcliffe met with Alexander Bortnikov, the head of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB).

The CIA maintains communication channels with both Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service and the Federal Security Service, which is also authorized to conduct intelligence activities. Prior to his meeting with Bortnikov, Ratcliffe held discussions with the Ukrainian side, assuring them that he would examine Moscow's position rather than making concessions based on Kyiv's interests. He also urged Moscow to commence serious negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.

Notably, John Ratcliffe's diplomatic mission in Russia was so secretive that even some senior White House officials were unaware of it, according to the Wall Street Journal. Sources from the newspaper indicated that Ratcliffe was personally sent to Moscow by Donald Trump.