# Trump downplays CIA director’s Moscow visit as ‘semi-routine’

https://mins.news/en/item/35183

- The Guardian, 2026-08-26 18:21 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/26/trump-cia-director-moscow-visit

> Donald Trump described CIA director John Ratcliffe’s unannounced Moscow visit as “semi-routine” and rejected speculation that it was intended to secure Russian backing for tougher Iran sanctions or respond to fears that Vladimir Putin might test Nato’s resolve. The Kremlin confirmed the trip, said Ratcliffe did not meet Putin and gave no reason for it.

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