The Russian foreign intelligence service, SVR, reported in a brief press statement on Wednesday that a phone conversation took place between SVR Director Sergei Naryshkin and CIA Chief John Ratcliffe on Tuesday. The conversation reportedly focused on the cooperation of intelligence agencies in areas of common interest and the regulation of crisis situations.
An agreement was reportedly reached to maintain regular contacts between the SVR and CIA directors to contribute to the international stability and security and to reduce confrontation in the relationship between Moscow and Washington.
No further details were disclosed. The phone call took place in the context of the talks between the US and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia, where the Ukrainian delegation announced its willingness to agree to an immediate, 30-day comprehensive ceasefire in exchange for the US halting weapon deliveries to Kiev. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the ball is now in the Kremlin’s court. US President Donald Trump also expressed hope that Russian President Vladimir Putin would agree to a ceasefire proposal and that he himself would speak with Putin, possibly this week, in addition to the US delegation’s planned talks with Russia.