CIA Director Ratcliffe's Moscow visit fails to shift Kremlin stance on Ukraine
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CIA Director John Ratcliffe's visit to Moscow did not soften Russia's position on Ukraine, The Washington Post reported. After the talks, the Kremlin appeared to double down on military pressure, intensifying missile and drone strikes on Kyiv. Ratcliffe concluded he had conveyed Washington's position but failed to change the situation.
Key Facts
- CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with Russian officials, including FSB head Alexander Bortnikov, during his visit to Moscow.
- Ratcliffe warned that continuing the war could worsen Russia's position and urged a return to negotiations.
- Russian leadership viewed Washington's push to end the war as a sign of US weakness, a source told The Washington Post.
- Moscow intensified missile and drone attacks on Kyiv, including energy infrastructure, following the visit.
- FSB head Alexander Bortnikov is unlikely to persuade Putin to accept a peace deal along the current front line, according to a source.
The Moscow Meetings
Ratcliffe met with Russian representatives, including FSB head Alexander Bortnikov, a key figure in Vladimir Putin's inner circle. He warned that continued war could worsen Russia's position and called for a return to negotiations. After the meetings, Ratcliffe concluded that he had conveyed Washington's position but had not changed the situation. One of his tasks was to make clear that Russia should not expect full control over Donbas.
Kremlin Response
A source told The Washington Post that Russian leadership interpreted Washington's attempt to end the war as a sign of US weakness. Following the visit, Moscow intensified missile and drone strikes on Kyiv, targeting energy and other infrastructure. Sources suggested Moscow may be signaling to Washington that it will not adopt a more flexible stance and intends to achieve its goals militarily. Despite growing economic difficulties, Russian leadership calculates that several more months of war will harm Ukraine more than Russia.
Bortnikov's Position
FSB head Alexander Bortnikov likely understands the risks of further conflict, from fuel shortages and rising consumer prices to possible protests. However, a source said Bortnikov will not try to persuade Putin to accept a peace agreement along the current front line. Thus, Ratcliffe's visit has not yet produced the expected result, and Moscow continues to rely on military pressure and a protracted confrontation.
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