Latvian President declines comment on CIA director's Moscow visit

Latvian President Edgar Rinkēvičs has declined to comment on the recent visit of CIA Director John Ratcliffe to Moscow, stating that such inquiries should be addressed to the United States. The president stressed Latvia's strong and productive cooperation with its U.S. allies.

"Latvia maintains very close and productive cooperation with its U.S. allies – sharing information, consulting each other, and providing logistical support if needed. This was one such instance," Rinkēvičs explained. He added that any comments regarding the visit would be made by American allies "to the extent they deem necessary."

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Our colleagues are continuously reporting that their streets are becoming emptier.

When asked about potential public concern, given Ratcliffe's previous visit to Russia months before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Rinkēvičs advised Latvians to adjust their perception of reality. He stated that while the government aims to ensure security, citizens must also be prepared, drawing a lesson from the experience in Ukraine. The president affirmed his confidence in the support of U.S. allies, stating it remains as strong as ever.

Neither Latvia's State Security Service nor the Constitutional Protection Bureau commented on whether Ratcliffe met with their leadership during his time in the region. The U.S. Air Force transport plane carrying Ratcliffe reportedly landed in Moscow on Tuesday and returned to Riga later that evening, suggesting a possible transit through Latvia.

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The exact start time for the disposal is still unclear.