Trump dismisses speculation over CIA chief Ratcliffe’s secretive Russia trip

US President Donald Trump has played down CIA director John Ratcliffe's surprise visit to Moscow, describing the rare trip to Russia as “semi-routine”.

The Trump administration had not formally announced the visit, but flight-tracking data showed a US government aircraft travelling to Moscow and the Kremlin later confirmed meetings had taken place.

Russian President Vladimir Putin did not meet Ratcliffe but was informed about the talks, according to the Kremlin. The purpose of the CIA director's visit remains unclear.

Asked about speculation that Russia could test NATO's resolve, Trump dismissed suggestions Ratcliffe's trip was linked to a possible Russian escalation.

“He is not in there for any of the things that you said. Now something may come out of it. We’re working very hard to get that war [in Ukraine] ended,” Trump said, according to The Guardian.

Trump also told reporters, “I hate to disappoint people,” as he sought to play down speculation surrounding the visit.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the BBC he had “nothing to add” about the talks.

“How much this will impact the overall process of recovering our bilateral relations from the profound crisis they’re currently in, it is premature to say,” Peskov said.

The last CIA director to visit Moscow was William Burns in November 2021, months before Russia invaded Ukraine.