CIA Director Lands in Moscow Amidst Ukraine Strikes
John Ratcliffe's unannounced visit sparks speculation as Ukraine resumes attacks on Russia.
Carla Rooney
A US military plane landed in Moscow on Tuesday, carrying CIA Director John Ratcliffe.
The visit carried enough sensitivity and importance to warrant this uncommon occurrence.
Vladimir Putin reportedly canceled participation in a major event on the same day as Ratcliffe's visit, issuing three secret decrees shortly afterward.
A temporary halt reportedly applied to strikes on Moscow, St Petersburg, and northern Russia while the senior US official traveled to and from the Russian capital.
Russia indicated that Ukraine resumed strikes on Russia early Wednesday; Russia stated it downed at least 426 drones overnight.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov sent the American State Department questions regarding US involvement in organizing and executing strikes deep within Russian territory.
US intelligence assessments indicated Putin could test Nato’s resolve with a limited assault on an allied country.
Russia-U.S. relations remain strained over Russia's war in Ukraine; Russia and Iran maintain a partnership treaty.
The US administration under Joe Biden was reportedly unwilling to confront Russia for fear of nuclear escalation, with the current US administration understood to be even less willing to confront Russia.
The Prime Minister visited Kyiv, meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and plans to visit Washington in September to lobby for more support for Ukraine's defense.