Putin Does Not Need the CIA Chief to Understand the State of Russia’s Economy

The piece takes a pointed view of speculation about CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s discussions in Moscow, suggesting that he may have tried to make Russian officials confront the poor state of their economy.

Its central argument is captured in the headline: Vladimir Putin would not need the CIA director to understand the condition of Russia’s economy. If Ratcliffe did raise the issue, the commentary says, he would have had plenty to discuss.