According to reports from multiple current and former officials, CIA Director John Ratcliffe conducted a secret visit to Moscow this week, where he privately conveyed his pessimistic assessment of the Ukraine conflict's trajectory to Russian counterparts. He reportedly urged Moscow to reach an agreement promptly, before its military and economic position deteriorates further.

Ratcliffe communicated his views directly to Alexander Bortnikov, the head of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB). Notably, the CIA director issued no threats regarding potential consequences should President Putin choose to ignore his assessment and continue the fight.

For some time, CIA analysts have harbored doubts about whether Putin's advisers are providing him with accurate information regarding the war's progression and associated losses.