USAF C-17 carries CIA chief into Moscow on quiet trip

C-17 departed Andrews area August 23

Overnighted in Riga Latvia

Flew direct to Vnukovo August 25 morning

Landed around 10 a.m. local

Reports say John Ratcliffe was aboard for meetings

First known CIA director visit to Moscow in years

Plane left later same day

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2026/08/25/cia-director-moscow-rare-unannounced-trip/

Factcheck: The C-17 flight is real. Tail 07-7181 callsign RCH4555 left Joint Base Andrews, stopped in Riga Latvia, then flew straight into Moscow Vnukovo on August 25. Multiple outlets confirmed it carried CIA Director John Ratcliffe for unannounced meetings. Kremlin first said it knew nothing. Purpose still not public. Not a random cargo hop.

https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/us-air-force-c17-riga-moscow-vnukovo

🚨Update: Reports that the U.S embassy in Moscow has removed the U.S flag outside its embassy, after CIA Director travels to Moscow to try to stop Russia from launching new offensive in Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/7OIdgll2lT

— US Homeland Security News (@defense_civil25) August 25, 2026

BREAKING: CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s secret Moscow visit may have included a warning to Russia over drone incursions into NATO territory and the risk of further escalation against Ukraine. – WSJ

The exact purpose of the visit remains officially undisclosed

— Conflict Radar (@Conflict_Radar) August 25, 2026

Russia
Moscow
Timing https://t.co/zAoGXZwWoh

— Foxwalk (@noctem26) August 25, 2026

Following Ratcliffe's visit in Russia the 🇺🇸US flag was reportedly removed from the embassy in Moscow.

Additionally Putin signed three "secret" decrees (605, 606, 607) that aren't listed in the official register of the state's legal information portal… https://t.co/ZKZ6wVvRiS pic.twitter.com/zD4p95iJ8F

— 🇦🇹 FS3 🇭🇺 (@FarSight3) August 25, 2026

h/t Cristinky420