According to reports from Axios, CIA Director John Ratcliffe proposed a tripartite meeting between President Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Volodymyr Zelensky. The proposal was made during Ratcliffe's secret visit to Moscow earlier this week, aiming to find a diplomatic path to end the war in Ukraine.
The Role of Intelligence Agencies
Ratcliffe's visit was more than a routine mission. He met with the heads of Russian intelligence services, Sergey Naryshkin (SVR) and Alexander Bortnikov (FSB). The goal was to determine if these intelligence chiefs could influence Putin to resume negotiations mediated by the United States.
A report by The New York Times indicates that Ratcliffe provided Bortnikov with a "grim assessment" of Russia's military progress, warning that Russia's position could deteriorate further if a deal is not reached soon. The CIA Director reportedly views Bortnikov as a "constructive interlocutor" who could facilitate the restart of diplomatic efforts.
Reactions and Fears of Escalation
While President Trump downplayed the significance of the visit, labeling it a "routine business matter," Ukrainian officials remain deeply skeptical. Although Zelensky has been open to such proposals in the past, Kyiv expresses serious concerns regarding a potential Russian escalation.
Pavlo Palisa, deputy head of Zelensky's office, stated that there is intelligence suggesting Putin has ordered the military to prepare for attacks on northern Ukraine, specifically targeting Kyiv and Chernihiv. This contradiction between behind-the-scenes diplomacy and military preparations on the ground heightens uncertainty over the success of the U.S. initiative.
