Rubio provides new details on CIA chief’s secret Moscow visit

Marco Rubio has described John Ratcliffe’s surprise trip to Moscow as largely routine, even as the visit drew attention because it involved the head of the CIA and took place during the war in Ukraine.

The US secretary of state said Ratcliffe’s purpose was to maintain and strengthen contact between the intelligence services. “His visit was mostly routine, he simply maintained and continued to strengthen the relationship between the intelligence services. Such ties can be useful during a crisis or conflict,” Rubio said.

Rubio also addressed Ukraine’s continuing need to protect its cities from Russian strikes. He said the United States is considering allowing Ukraine to manufacture missiles for Patriot air-defense systems under license. But he stressed that such an agreement would not resolve Ukraine’s immediate air-defense needs quickly.

The United States must also preserve its own defenses, Rubio said, meaning other allies are expected to help supply the ammunition and missiles Ukraine needs. The discussion came as Washington continues looking for ways to strengthen Ukrainian air defenses and as Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities face daily attacks.

Ratcliffe visited Moscow unexpectedly on Aug. 25. The Kremlin said he did not meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. US President Donald Trump said the talks also covered the war in Ukraine and emphasized that Washington wants to end the fighting as soon as possible.

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His visit was mostly routine, he simply maintained and continued to strengthen the relationship between the intelligence services. Such ties can be useful during a crisis or conflict.