Russia Says SVR Remains in Contact with US Central Intelligence Agency

(MENAFN) Russia’s top foreign intelligence official confirmed on Wednesday that communication channels with the United States remain active, even as tensions persist over Ukraine and broader global conflicts.

Sergey Naryshkin, head of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), said the agency continues to engage with the US Central Intelligence Agency. Speaking to a Russian news agency, he stated: "Yes, we maintain contact with the Central Intelligence Agency, if you are referring to the Foreign Intelligence Service," he said in an interview with the Russian state news agency.

Addressing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent suggestion of an Easter ceasefire, Naryshkin dismissed the proposal, signaling deep skepticism from Moscow. He emphasized that Russia lacks confidence in Kyiv’s intentions and called on Zelenskyy to reconsider his stance.

He urged Zelenskyy to “gather the remnants of his critical thinking” and accept Russia’s peace proposals, which he said would ensure long-term stability.

Turning to the escalating situation in the Middle East, Naryshkin said Russia is actively engaging with international partners in search of a resolution. He noted that Moscow is consulting “with various countries, with the leadership of a number of states, regarding the settlement of the most severe crisis in the Middle East.”

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