The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, disclosed on Friday that the United States briefed Kyiv on recent meetings held in Moscow. These meetings indicate growing diplomatic and intelligence efforts to reignite negotiations regarding the war in Ukraine.
Zelensky posted on Telegram, saying, "Today, we received information from the American side about the meetings that took place in Moscow these days. Several meetings were held there," without revealing the identities of the participants or the nature of the topics discussed.
He added, "I thank them for this information and for the necessary tone in talks with Russia."
Zelensky's remarks came following reports that CIA Director John Ratcliffe held secret talks earlier this week with Russian intelligence officials.
According to reports, Ratcliffe's discussions covered reactivating negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, with Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, suggesting talks could resume by September.
A Secret Trip to Moscow
Ratcliffe arrived in Moscow aboard a U.S. military C-17 transport plane from Latvia, a visit that attracted interest and concern among European officials after news spread.
The Wall Street Journal reported that European officials said the CIA Director reassured the Russian side during his contacts that the U.S. remains committed to NATO's Article 5. This clause stipulates that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all members.
This message holds particular significance for European countries amid fears that any direct negotiations between Washington and Moscow might lead to security arrangements affecting Ukraine or NATO's eastern flank.
The U.S. actions come as Moscow continues to intensify its military operations against Ukraine, alongside enduring widespread disagreements with Washington on various international issues.
With Kyiv discussing the possibility of resuming negotiations by September, the recent meetings in Moscow raise questions about whether Washington is preparing a new round of talks and whether these contacts can achieve a breakthrough after previous efforts to end the war stalled.