CIA Director John Ratcliffe has reportedly made an unannounced visit to Moscow, a development that comes as US-brokered talks aimed at ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have stalled. US media outlets confirmed the trip, citing sources familiar with the situation and a US official.
Flight data from August 25, 2026, showed a US military C-17 aircraft traveling from the United States to Latvia and then to Moscow. The flight originated from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. A US diplomatic motorcade was later seen in the Russian capital. This marks Ratcliffe’s first known visit to Russia as CIA chief, having been sworn into the role in January 2025.
The Trump administration reportedly asked Kyiv to pause its long-range strikes on major Russian cities during the visit. Neither the CIA nor the White House has provided immediate comment on the trip.
The C-17 Globemaster III, the aircraft reportedly used for the journey, is described by the US air force as a large military transport aircraft capable of strategic and tactical airlift, airdrop missions, and aeromedical evacuations.
While the specific reason for Ratcliffe’s visit remains unclear, the CIA has previously mediated in US-Russia detainee exchanges. The agency was involved in a 2024 prisoner exchange that secured the release of reporter Evan Gershkovich and marine veteran Paul Whelan. Earlier this month, Moscow released a former US marine who had been detained since 2022, citing health concerns.
Speculation regarding the visit’s purpose also includes the ongoing conflict in Iran, a point of contention between Moscow and Washington. On Monday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a new economic sanctions strategy designed to isolate Iran.
