CIA chief proposed Trump-Putin-Zelenskyy summit during Moscow visit

CIA Director John Ratcliffe proposed a trilateral summit involving US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a covert visit to Moscow, according to a report published Saturday, as Washington seeks to revive stalled diplomacy between Moscow and Kyiv.

Covert Diplomatic Mission

Ratcliffe traveled to Moscow earlier this week to assess whether Russia's intelligence chiefs could help persuade President Vladimir Putin to resume US-mediated negotiations with Ukraine, sources told Axios. US officials briefed Zelenskyy on Friday regarding the discussions and the proposal for the three-way summit, the report added.

According to The New York Times, Ratcliffe provided Alexander Bortnikov, head of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), with "a bleak assessment" of the war and urged Moscow to reach a deal before its position worsens. Sources indicated that Ratcliffe views Bortnikov as a constructive figure who could help revive diplomatic efforts, according to Axios.

Summit Proposal and Stances

The Trump administration has previously raised the possibility of a direct meeting between the three leaders. Zelenskyy has expressed support for the idea, while Putin has rejected it, according to the report.

Trump told Axios that Ratcliffe's visit was "standard business" and was not intended to warn Russia against a potential attack on NATO territory. The US president characterized the intelligence chief's mission as routine engagement rather than an emergency intervention amid speculation about Russian military intentions.

Timeline for Negotiations

Kyrylo Budanov, Zelenskyy's chief of staff, said Thursday that US-mediated talks with Russia could resume in September, according to media reports. The potential return to negotiations comes amid continued fighting and sustained diplomatic maneuvering by Washington to broker a ceasefire between the warring parties.