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| Russia and America: Emotional Relations Read About the Deterioration |
Russian and US Intelligence Chiefs Hold Second Call Amid Shifting Dynamics
Sergei Naryshkin, director of Russia's Foreign
Intelligence Service (SVR), announced on Sunday that he spoke by phone with John
Ratcliffe, director of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). This marks
their second known intelligence-level contact since mid-March.
Naryshkin stated on Russian state television that he and his
American counterpart "agreed to contact each other at any time to discuss
issues of mutual interest." He didn't provide further details about the
call, which comes amidst a subtle rapprochement between Moscow and Washington.
Naryshkin, a close associate of Russian President Vladimir
Putin, had previously spoken with Ratcliffe on March 11, marking their
initial direct contact since Donald Trump's return to the White House earlier
this year.
These two official communications between the heads of
Russian and American intelligence agencies coincide with Washington and
Moscow's efforts to improve diplomatic relations, even as the conflict in
Ukraine persists.
Enduring Disagreements Amidst Dialogue
Despite these overtures, numerous significant disagreements
continue to strain relations between Moscow and Washington after years of
heightened tensions. For example, the United States continues to provide Kyiv
with essential intelligence to support its forces, more than three years after
the commencement of Russia's large-scale offensive in Ukraine.
Following their March discussion, Sergei Naryshkin and John Ratcliffe had reportedly agreed to maintain "regular contacts," according to a statement from the Russian side, as reported by the TASS news agency.
