WASHINGTON, CIA Director John Ratcliffe has traveled to Moscow for meetings with Russian officials, according to U.S. media reports citing unnamed sources.
The reported visit could mark the first known trip to the Russian capital by a senior U.S. intelligence chief since former CIA Director William Burns visited Moscow in November 2021.
Burns met Russian President Vladimir Putin during that visit. Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine about three months later.
Details of Ratcliffe’s Visit Remain Unclear
CBS News and Axios reported Ratcliffe’s trip to Moscow.
However, the reports did not identify the Russian officials Ratcliffe is expected to meet. They also did not provide details about the issues likely to be discussed.
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The CIA declined to comment on the reports. The Kremlin had not immediately responded to a request for comment.
Ratcliffe previously served as U.S. Director of National Intelligence during President Donald Trump’s first administration.
Russia Maintains Close Ties With Iran
The reported visit comes as Washington continues to increase economic pressure on Iran.
On Monday, the United States warned countries to end business ties with Iran or face possible secondary sanctions. The move aims to increase pressure on Tehran as the Trump administration seeks to address the conflict that began in February.
The United States currently has no ambassador in Russia.
Meanwhile, Moscow maintains close strategic relations with Tehran. The two countries have broad military, economic and diplomatic ties.
Russia and Iran’s Military Cooperation
Iran has supplied drones to Russia during its war against Ukraine.
In March, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of providing Iran with versions of the drones used in the war.
A Ukrainian intelligence assessment reported by Reuters in April also said Russia had helped Iran with satellite imagery. The assessment said the imagery could be used to target U.S. facilities in the Middle East.
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Moscow has denied providing such assistance.
Russia has also said it is prepared to help resolve the conflict between the United States and Iran.
The reported Ratcliffe visit comes amid growing diplomatic and security tensions involving Washington, Moscow and Tehran.
