CIA chief Ratcliffe could lead Ukraine talks, but breakthrough looks unlikely
Photo: CIA Director John Ratcliffe (Getty Images)
There is discussion in Washington over whether CIA Director John Ratcliffe will lead negotiations regarding the war in Ukraine. However, even if he does, this is unlikely to bring about the long-awaited breakthrough in negotiations with Russia, according to Politico.
Enthusiasm in Washington
The prospect of US CIA Director John Ratcliffe taking charge of the Ukraine track has sparked enthusiasm among various groups in Washington. This happened despite the White House denying the possibility of such a development.
Supporters of Ukraine in the US say it doesn't matter who exactly handles this issue, since the main events are unfolding on the battlefield.
"If Ratcliffe gets involved, he knows Russian issues very well," says Matthew Boyse, deputy assistant secretary of State for Eurasian Affairs in the first Trump administration.
He cautions against expecting a quick and significant victory at the negotiating table.
"[Russian President Vladimir] Putin thinks time is on his side, is doubling down, and is showing no interest in moving off fixed maximalist positions," Boyse notes.
Both the White House and the CIA have denied reports that Ratcliffe was preparing to play a more active role in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
US President Donald Trump decided to expand the CIA director's authority in negotiations with Russia and Ukraine to break the deadlock in the diplomatic process, which has been stalled for a long time.
Russia intensified its strikes on Ukraine following the CIA director's secret visit to Moscow.
The Kremlin interpreted the US warnings about the risks of escalation as a sign of weakness and responded by intensifying missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities.
