The call marks ongoing negotiations for a Ukraine-Russia ceasefire.
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director John Ratcliffe spoke on the phone with Russian foreign intelligence agency (SVR) head Sergey Naryshkin on Tuesday, the first time in two years that the spy chiefs of the U.S. and Russia have had direct communication. This phone call was made a day after Ukrainian officials spoke favorably of a U.S. proposal to instate a 30-day ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, during which time Ukraine hopes that a permanent peace deal can be made.
According to a statement released by the SVR, Directors Naryshkin and Ratcliffe discussed cooperation between the two intelligence services “in areas of common interest and the resolution of crisis situations.”
The Russian agency added that two leaders agreed “to maintain regular contacts… with the aim of helping to ensure international stability and security, as well as reducing confrontation in relations between Moscow and Washington.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, after Ukraine agreed to the 30-day ceasefire, “Our hope is that the Russians will say yes, that they will also agree, so the shooting will stop, the killing will stop, the dying will stop, and the talks can begin about how to end this war permanently, in a way that’s acceptable and enduring for both sides.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For CIA Director Ratcliffe to be discerning as he seeks to advance the ceasefire negotiations.
- For wisdom for Secretary Rubio as he facilitates talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
Sources: Axios, The Hill
