Kathmandu— United States President Donald Trump’s administration is taking steps to increase contact with key figures in Russia, despite ongoing tensions over the war in Ukraine. Recent developments include a rare visit by CIA Director John Ratcliffe to Moscow and the surprise attendance of Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov at a G20 meeting hosted by the US on Monday. These moves signal renewed dialogue between Washington and Moscow, though they do not necessarily indicate a full restoration of relations.

CIA Director's Visit to Moscow

The most significant recent contact was Ratcliffe’s visit last week to Moscow, where he held talks with Russian intelligence officials. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that President Vladimir Putin was informed about the discussions but did not personally meet Ratcliffe. Trump described the visit as “semiroutine” and connected it to efforts to end the war in Ukraine. US media reported that Ratcliffe also raised concerns over a possible Russian attack on NATO members and Russia’s relationship with Iran.

Russian Finance Minister at G20

Anton Siluanov made an unexpected appearance at a G20 finance ministers meeting in North Carolina, marking his first such attendance since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met with Siluanov on the sidelines of the event but made it clear that there would be no financial agreements or economic relief for Russia until the war ends.

Diplomatic Stalemate Continues

Despite these contacts, hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough remain bleak as neither side is willing to concede territory. US-mediated talks between Ukraine and Russia broke down over Moscow’s territorial demands. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has held discussions with US envoys about advancing the peace process, but the deadlock continues with ongoing attacks on each other's energy infrastructure.

Concerns Over Normalization

Analysts warn that increased contact could embolden Russia against NATO. Keir Giles of Chatham House said evidence of normalizing relations between Washington and Moscow should deepen alarm, as treating Russia as a partner rather than an adversary poses risks to countries under threat from Moscow. Polish Finance Minister Andrzej Domanski expressed unhappiness with Moscow’s participation in the G20 meeting, emphasizing a lack of trust.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

More from the source

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.