White House may hand Russia-Ukraine talks to CIA director Ratcliffe: Here’s why

The White House is expanding the role of CIA director John Ratcliffe in US efforts to reactivate negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

The potential transition comes as Washington reviews whether to scale back the roles of special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner who have been leading contacts with Moscow and Kyiv.

According to the Financial Times, US officials have told European counterparts that Ratcliffe is assuming a greater mediation role between Moscow and Kyiv, while maintaining contacts with intelligence officials in both countries.

Officials engaged in confidential contacts say the administration has been taking account of changes since US led peace efforts stalled in late February. These negotiations occurred as the Trump administration became preoccupied with the war in Iran which flared up shortly after the previous round of Ukraine talks.

According to Ukrainian officials, Witkoff has not performed enough to press Putin to ease his demands while people briefed on Kremlin thinking say Russia also blames him for the failure of the summit with Trump in Alaska last year.

Furthermore, three senior Ukrainian officials say Kyiv maintains professional working connections with Ratcliffe, Witkoff and Kushner, and that its primary obstacle remains Moscow rather than the identity of Trump’s lead negotiator.