Episode Details
Back to Episodes
The CIA Chief Rushed to Moscow—Then Suddenly Left
Description
CIA Director John Ratcliffe made an unexpected trip to Moscow aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III—and departed again after a remarkably brief visit. Neither Washington nor Moscow has revealed whom he met, what was discussed, or why America sent its intelligence chief instead of its usual diplomatic negotiators.
The last known visit to Moscow by a CIA director came in November 2021, when William Burns warned Russia against invading Ukraine. This time, Washington reportedly asked Ukraine to suspend strikes while Ratcliffe was inside Russia. I examine what we know, what remains speculation, and whether this was connected to Ukraine, Iran, Russian operations against Europe, or a direct warning about something American intelligence believes Putin may be preparing.
A short meeting does not prove that the mission failed. But the conspicuous American military aircraft, the coordination with Ukraine, and the decision to send the CIA director suggest that this was no ordinary diplomatic visit.
Facts over noise. Context over headlines. Truth over talking points. Principle over partisanship.
Fundraisers video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMTs6amkGUg and Here is the direct link to the Ukraine Support Bridge: https://ukrainesupportbridge.com/ - Ukrainian Refugee M's Room and Board is covered for this year. It is not for the rest of her time at CSU. I will be pushing on the other fundraisers for now, but if you still wish to give to make that whole (Aprox 48K total), here is the direct link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-ms-journey-at-charleston-southern-university?attribution_id=sl:2708fb35-6c96-49b9-a5f9-6b7567483de6&lang=en_US&ts=1786462653&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp30-treatment-3&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link
***** To support me as as I provide Ukraine war context: *****
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ProfessorGerdesExplains
Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/professorgerdes
Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/professorgerdes
YouTube Channel Membership: https://www.youtube.com/@Professor-Gerdes/membership
🇺🇸 Contact the White House to express your support for Ukraine
https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
*****IF YOU WISH TO PROVIDE DIRECT AID TO UKRAINE: *****
🇺🇦 I have partnered with Greg Terry for all donations to Ukraine. He has raised and delivered more than a quarter of a million dollars of aid to date. To directly support this effort of delivering necessary provisions to the front lines, click on these links (and then watch him give your donations to soldiers on the front lines on his channel): https://www.youtube.com/@GregTerryExperience
Amazon Shopping List USA/North America (Shop and send to UKRAINE AID c/o Bethel Life's Gift Registry Address)
Amazon Shopping List for EU/UK