Putin canceled meeting with US intelligence chief after learning its purpose

Vladimir Putin canceled a planned meeting with CIA Director John Ratcliffe after learning that the US intelligence chief intended to urge Russia to reach a swift agreement to end the war in Ukraine.

Ratcliffe argued that Russia’s military and economic position was worsening. In his view, that made it more beneficial for the Russian leadership to reach an agreement now.

The purpose of Ratcliffe’s visit had not been announced in advance. He nevertheless met in Moscow with the heads of Russia’s intelligence services. The visit was described as the first by a US intelligence chief to Russia since the beginning of the full-scale war.