The Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of the United States of America, John Ratcliffe, has traveled to Russia. The official is expected to have several high-level meetings, according to international media.
Several American and Russian publications, including Axios, CNN, CBS, and Kommersant, have reported on the displacement. Journalists refer to sources, without specifying what official meetings are planned and what topics will be discussed with Russian officials.
Neither Moscow, nor Washington, have confirmed the visit. In the meantime, Meduza writes that Ratcliffe’s trip could take place in the context of the release of Chuck Zimmerman, an American citizen detained in Russia.
Outside, he would have been informed about the visit on the eve, the Ukrainian military being asked not to attack Moscow during the period of the CIA chief’s stay in Russia, notes the cited source.
Initially, information emerged about an American military plane that landed at Vnukovo airport in Moscow, according to Flightradar24 data, reports Agerpres. The aircraft had taken off from Riga, Latvia, before arriving in Moscow. In the Baltic state, the aircraft had arrived from Washington.
The last direct flight of a plane registered in the USA to Russia, from Europe, took place in January 2025. On board at that time were special envoys Steven Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who went for negotiations with Vladimir Putin.