The CIA has denied a Financial Times report that Director John Ratcliffe is set to take a larger role in US efforts to broker an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine, as Washington searches for momentum after an inconclusive push. The FT reported that officials close to Ratcliffe told European counterparts he could become more involved in shuttle diplomacy between Moscow and Kyiv, while the White House considers reducing the roles of envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. CIA spokesperson Liz Lyons called the report “false.” Witkoff and Kushner visited Moscow and Kyiv last weekend but announced no breakthrough. Trump said Vladimir Putin wanted a deal after speaking with the Russian president on Tuesday. Ratcliffe’s surprise August trip to Moscow drew scrutiny over Washington’s diplomatic channels with the Kremlin. He met intelligence officials and discussed the Ukraine war. Trump has not announced any change to his negotiating team.
