WSJ: CIA Director secured release of Americans detained in Russia

CIA Director John Ratcliffe made progress in his dealings with the Kremlin during his recent visit to Moscow, including securing the release of US citizens detained in Russia, The Wall Street Journal reports, citing sources.

The sources did not disclose the names of the Americans who were released or specify how many were freed. Neither Russian nor US authorities have publicly announced any releases or prisoner exchanges.

According to the newspaper, US President Donald Trump personally sent Ratcliffe to Moscow for talks with Russian officials.

Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) Director Sergei Naryshkin confirmed that he held talks with Ratcliffe on August 25.

The New York Times also reported that Ratcliffe met with Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) Director Alexander Bortnikov.