Russian and U.S. spy chiefs agree to call each other at any time, SVR director says

Moscow and Washington, June 29, 2025 – In a rare public acknowledgment of direct communication, Sergei Naryshkin, director of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), announced today that he and CIA Director John Ratcliffe have agreed to maintain open phone lines. The duo “reserved for each other the possibility to call at any time and discuss issues of interest,” Naryshkin told Kremlin television reporter Pavel Zarubin ().The phone call in question—held shortly before this announcement—follows their previous publicly disclosed conversation in March 2025, marking the first high‑level intelligence engagement in years ().Why it matters • Historic rivalry with modern context: The SVR, successor to the Soviet-era KGB’s First Chief Directorate, has been involved in several major espionage operations against the U.S., including through agents like Rosenberg, Hanssen, and Ames . • Combatting global instability: The agreement to stay in touch signals a pragmatic step toward crisis management—even amid lingering tensions over Ukraine and other geopolitical flashpoints.Background • The March 11, 2025 call, brokered amid ceasefire discussions surrounding Ukraine, marked a significant thaw. Naryshkin and Ratcliffe agreed to maintain “regular contact” to bolster international stability and reduce confrontation . • The CIA has offered no official comment.Broader context • The March dialogue coincided with Ukraine’s endorsement of a 30‑day cease‑fire proposal, as both the U.S. and Russia positioned themselves for potential broader talks . • Analysts suggest that while this move aligns with the Biden–Trump administration’s renewed diplomatic engagement with Russia, the durability of this intelligence channel remains uncertain .⸻What’s next? • Observers will be watching how frequently these direct calls occur—whether they become a routine coordination channel or simply serve as intermittent back‑channels during crises. • The substance of future conversations—especially if they involve counter‑terrorism, cyber threats, or nuclear risk reduction—could shape broader U.S.–Russia intelligence cooperation.⸻Bottom lineThis mutual agreement to stay on callable terms does not signify an immediate detente. Rather, it represents a measured, risk‑management tool for both capitals: an acknowledgment that, even amid deep-seated mistrust, occasional direct communication might help de-escalate emerging threats.