Kathmandu— The United States’ spy chief is reportedly in Moscow, according to US media outlets, despite Kremlin assertions that no talks with American envoys are scheduled this week. CIA Director John Ratcliffe arrived in the Russian capital on Tuesday, while Russia maintains that there are currently no planned discussions between Moscow and US officials. The visit comes as efforts to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine remain stalled, and Washington reportedly asked Kyiv to refrain from strikes during the delegation's stay. A US military transport aircraft was also tracked traveling from Riga to Moscow.

Reported CIA Visit Confirmed by Multiple Sources

CBS News first reported Ratcliffe’s presence in Moscow on Tuesday, citing unnamed sources familiar with the situation. Axios subsequently confirmed the visit, noting it represents the highest-level trip by a Trump administration official to Russia since January. While the purpose of the meetings remains undisclosed, both outlets indicated that the CIA declined to comment on the matter. Flightradar24 data showed a US military C-17 aircraft traveling from the United States to Latvia and then onward to Moscow, departing Riga at 05:50 GMT and landing shortly before 07:04 GMT.

Kremlin Denies Scheduled Meetings

Despite reports of Ratcliffe’s arrival and the US military flight, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Tuesday that no talks between Moscow and US envoys are currently planned. When questioned about the reported landing of a US military plane in Moscow earlier that day, Peskov claimed to have “no such information.” This denial contrasts with reports suggesting Washington alerted Ukraine to suspend strikes until the US delegation departs Moscow.

Context: Prisoner Exchanges and Stalled Negotiations

Ratcliffe has reportedly played a key role in several high-profile prisoner exchanges between the US and Russia since President Donald Trump took office in January 2025, including the recent release of a US-Russian dual national, Ksenia Karelina. The visit also occurs after Moscow freed a former US Marine detained since 2022 due to health concerns. However, broader efforts to negotiate an end to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have stalled, adding complexity to the situation. The Iran war is also reportedly a concern between Washington and Moscow.

Precedent for High-Level Visits

If confirmed, Ratcliffe’s visit would be the first such trip since then-CIA Director William Burns traveled to Moscow in 2021. This suggests a continued, albeit discreet, channel of communication between the two countries despite ongoing tensions and geopolitical challenges.

Ratcliffe reportedly departed Moscow later Tuesday, according to flight tracking data, leaving the outcome of any potential discussions unclear as US-Russia relations remain strained.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.