CIA chief in Moscow, Ukraine warning, Erdogan's navy
CIA Director Ratcliffe makes unannounced Moscow visit as Ukraine's ex-defense minister warns the war is being lost.
CIA chief in Moscow, Ukraine warning, Erdogan's navy — CIA Director John Ratcliffe arrived in Moscow for an unusual visit that was not reported in advance, the first by a CIA director to Russia since November 2021, when William Burns visited.[^1] The visit coincides with a series of global developments. Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov issued an extraordinary warning that Ukraine is "gradually and slowly losing the war" against Russia, calling for an urgent change of direction within months.[^2] Fedorov pointed to entrenched corruption, patronage networks, and a lack of political independence in government institutions as factors holding the country back.[^2] In the Mediterranean, Turkey is accelerating its naval construction, building 47 warships simultaneously as part of President Erdogan's effort to turn the country into a regional naval power.[^3] The doctrine accompanying the buildup is the "Blue Homeland," which asserts that Turkey will not give up a single drop of the maritime areas it claims.[^3] Former Navy Commander Eliezer (Cheini) Marom warned that Turkey "can cause quite a few problems" and said Israel needs renewed strategic thinking and an increase in naval power, as Israel is "like an island."[^3] Meanwhile, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty firmly rejected claims that the Camp David Accords were a historical mistake for Egypt, but admitted that Israel only respects the commitments of the agreement "to a certain extent."[^4] He concluded with a reassuring message to Jerusalem, stating that the bilateral relations and the peace agreement are "for now, all good."[^4] Poll shake-up, mayoral conviction, and security disputes roil Israeli politics — The Civil Service Disciplinary Court convicted Arad Mayor Yair Maayan of disciplinary offenses for concealing details about his first academic degree, obtained from Trinity College and University—an institution not recognized in Israel. [^1] The court noted Maayan's about 256 days of voluntary reserve duty since October 7, but the conviction underscores a pattern of public officials facing scrutiny over credentials. A new i24NEWS poll conducted on August 26, 2026, shows Brig.