CIA chief returns from Moscow for White House talks

CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with senior US officials at the White House after returning from Moscow, following a rare visit to the Russian capital that reportedly focused on tensions between Russia and NATO.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Ratcliffe travelled to Moscow to warn the Russian leadership against any potential attack on a NATO member.

“Secretary of War Hegseth, Joint Chiefs of Staff General Caine, and CIA Director Ratcliffe leave the West Wing following a meeting at the White House. Ratcliffe returned from Russia late last night,” freelance Washington photographer Andrew Leyden wrote on X, posting three photos.

Secretary of War Hegseth, Joint Chiefs of Staff General Caine, and CIA Director Ratcliffe leave the West Wing following a meeting at the White House. Ratcliffe returned from Russia late last night. pic.twitter.com/9p7PTtfE2X

— Andrew Leyden (@PenguinSix) August 26, 2026

The trip marked the CIA chief’s first visit to Moscow since November 2021. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Ratcliffe held talks with representatives of Russia’s intelligence services, although it remains unclear with whom exactly.

US President Donald Trump described the trip as “semi-routine.”