What we should make of CIA boss's secret trip to Moscow
There is nothing routine about John Ratcliffe making a secret, 10,000-mile return dash to Moscow, writes Frank Gardner.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"John Ratcliffe's trip to Russia was a 'semi-routine' visit."
— Donald Trump , Politician
Key People
Former president of the United States known for his aggressive economic policies.
Former CIA Director.
Sergei Naryshkin is the head of Russia's foreign intelligence service.
Vladimir Putin is the President of Russia.
All Coverage
There is nothing routine about John Ratcliffe making a secret, 10,000-mile return dash to Moscow, writes Frank Gardner.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
CIA chief met Russian intelligence services but not Putin, Kremlin says
John Ratcliffe travelled to the Russian capital on Tuesday in a rare and unannounced visit.
August 26, 2026 at 11:27 AMCIA chief travels to Moscow for unannounced talks, US media reports
Flight tracking data confirms an American military aircraft travelled to Russia from the US via Latvia on Tuesday.
August 25, 2026 at 04:56 PMRussia's foreign spy chief confirms he held talks with CIA director in Moscow - Reuters
Russia's foreign spy chief confirms he held talks with CIA director in Moscow Reuters
August 27, 2026 at 08:43 AMUS spy chief visits Russia for meetings, media reports - Reuters
US spy chief visits Russia for meetings, media reports Reuters
August 25, 2026 at 04:37 PMKremlin says US spy chief held talks with Russian counterparts during Moscow visit - Reuters
Kremlin says US spy chief held talks with Russian counterparts during Moscow visit Reuters
August 26, 2026 at 10:29 AMUS military transport plane lands in Moscow, Kremlin says it has no information yet - Reuters
US military transport plane lands in Moscow, Kremlin says it has no information yet Reuters
August 25, 2026 at 10:49 AM