Reports from US media outlets, including CBS News citing unnamed sources, indicate that CIA Director John Ratcliffe was in Moscow on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Washington reportedly advised Ukraine to avoid strikes until the US delegation departs the Russian capital.

However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters during a press briefing on the same day, “No, there are no such plans,” denying any scheduled talks with US envoys this week.

CIA Director Ratcliffe has been involved in high-profile prisoner exchanges between the US and Russia since President Donald Trump took office in January 2025, including the release of US-Russian dual national Ksenia Karelina. The CIA declined to comment on the recent reports.

Additional context includes concerns over rising casualties in Ukraine and political tensions, with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy warning that wartime elections could destabilize the country.

Sources