28.08.2026 13:30
It has been alleged that CIA Director John Ratcliffe, during his visit to Moscow, called on Federal Security Service (FSB) Director Alexander Bortnikov for Russia to reach an agreement with Ukraine.
The New York Times report, based on unnamed current and former officials, included claims regarding CIA Director Ratcliffe's visit to Moscow.
"WENT TO MOSCOW TO URGE AN AGREEMENT WITH UKRAINE"
The report claimed that Ratcliffe went to Moscow "to encourage the Russians to reach a deal (with Ukraine) before their military and economic situation worsens further."
The report stated that Ratcliffe conveyed this message to FSB Director Bortnikov, and it argued that the CIA Director "did not make a threat" to the Russian side about the possible consequences if Russia chose to continue the war.
ATTEMPT TO REVIVE NEGOTIATIONS
The report included an assessment that it was unclear whether Ratcliffe's message signaled any change in US policy toward Russia or Ukraine, and it commented that the visit was an attempt to revive "stalled negotiations" between Russia and Ukraine.
"TIME FOR SERIOUS NEGOTIATIONS HAS COME"
The report also noted that Ratcliffe claimed Russia is "in a bad military and economic position" (in its war with Ukraine) and therefore told Bortnikov that he believed the time had come for Moscow to enter serious negotiations to end the war.