CIA Director John Ratcliff meets Russian intelligence chief in Moscow

Sergei Naryshkin, head of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), confirmed a meeting in Moscow with CIA Director John Ratcliff. Naryshkin described the encounter as a “working format” to discuss matters within the competence of intelligence services, characterizing the topics as “delicate and specific.”

This visit marks the first publicly known trip by the CIA Director during Donald Trump's second presidential term. While President Trump described the visit as “semi-routine,” the meeting has sparked significant speculation regarding its objectives. Reports suggest Ratcliff may have warned Russian officials against escalating conflicts with NATO allies, specifically in the Baltic states, or sought to influence Russia to limit military and economic support to Iran.

Security experts note that such high-level meetings often serve as critical, discreet channels for communication between major powers even when diplomatic relations are strained. Previous meetings between CIA leadership and Russian counterparts have been used to deliver warnings regarding tactical nuclear weapons and potential invasions.