CIA chief Ratcliffe to expand role in Ukraine peace talks

September 9, 2026 at 10:04 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe is positioning to take a leading role in Ukraine peace negotiations, according to Financial Times sources. He has already informed European counterparts of plans to maintain contacts with Ukrainian and Russian intelligence services. The move comes as special envoy Steve Witkoff works to retain control of the negotiation process.

Key Facts

CIA Director John Ratcliffe has informed European counterparts of plans to actively maintain contacts with Ukrainian and Russian intelligence services.
Ratcliffe's recent visit to Moscow was initially planned to include a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but it was cancelled after the CIA chief gave a pessimistic assessment of the Russian army's military progress.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that a meeting between Ratcliffe and Putin was not initially planned.
Special envoy Steve Witkoff recently travelled to Russia with President Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner in an effort to strengthen his influence over the negotiation process.
Final decisions on role distribution have not been made, as President Donald Trump continues to weigh options.

Ratcliffe's Expanding Role

Financial Times sources indicate that CIA Director John Ratcliffe is emerging as a key figure in Ukraine peace negotiations. Ratcliffe has already informed European colleagues of his plans to actively support contacts with Ukrainian and Russian intelligence services. His recent visit to Moscow was initially expected to include a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The meeting was cancelled after Ratcliffe gave a pessimistic assessment of the Russian army's military progress. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that such a meeting was not initially planned.

Witkoff's Countermove

Special envoy Steve Witkoff is making every effort to retain control over the negotiation process. His recent trip to Russia with President Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner was aimed at strengthening his influence, according to sources. Witkoff is likely to retain his status as special envoy and continue participating in the peace process alongside Ratcliffe. Final decisions on role distribution have not been made, as President Donald Trump continues to weigh options.