August 26, 2026: Foreign Office News Round-Up

On CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s unexpected visit to Moscow watch Michael and former CIA officer Marc Polymeropoulos here.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe Makes Surprise Trip to Moscow

“Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe made a surprise visit to Moscow on Tuesday, U.S. officials said, his first publicly known trip to the Russian capital.

It came as the U.S. struggles to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the Iran war, although the reason for the visit wasn’t immediately clear. The U.S. has collected intelligence showing Russia’s early preparations for a possible military mobilization in Ukraine and plans for testing the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s resolve, The Wall Street Journal has reported.

Analysts said Ratcliffe could meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to deliver a warning. ‘It could be to say, “We know what you are thinking about doing, and you better not”’ said Beth Sanner, a former U.S. deputy director of national intelligence for mission integration. ‘It could also be about the Iran ceasefire and putting someone else in the discussion,’ she said, adding Ratcliffe might also touch upon the Kremlin’s support for Iran following a new U.S. sanctions campaign against the regime.”