CIA director may take leading role in US talks on Russia-Ukraine war – FT

CIA Director John Ratcliffe may take a leading role in Washington's diplomatic efforts to end Russia's war against Ukraine.

Source: Financial Times citing informed sources, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The White House is reportedly considering reducing the involvement of US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, who have so far played a key role in contacts with Moscow and Kyiv.

Officials close to Ratcliffe told European counterparts that he will play a larger role in "shuttle diplomacy" between Russia and Ukraine.

Ratcliffe is expected to continue maintaining contacts with the intelligence services of both countries. However, the sources said Trump has not yet made a final decision.

The sources said Witkoff, for his part, is likely to retain his position as US special envoy for peace missions, which includes negotiations in the Middle East. They said he may continue to take part in the Ukraine process in parallel with Ratcliffe.

Two of the sources said Ratcliffe and Witkoff are engaged in a struggle over who will be responsible for what.

Background:

• On 25 August, it was reported that the CIA director visited Moscow. Speaking about Ratcliffe's trip, US President Donald Trump has said "something may come out of it".
• On 6 September, after talks in Kyiv involving the Ukrainian side, Trump's special envoys and national security advisers from the E3 countries, an agreement was reached to repeat the meeting in the same format in the near future.

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