White House calls FT data on possible change in composition of US negotiators inaccurate

White House calls FT data on possible change in composition of US negotiators inaccurate White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said that none of these supposed conversations are happening© EPA-EFE/JIM LO SCALZOWASHINGTON, September 9. /TASS/. The White House has called the information in the Financial Times about possible changes in the team of US representatives negotiating with Russia and Ukraine false. "This entire story is totally fake news attributed to low-level, anonymous 'sources' who have no idea what they are talking about. None of these supposed conversations are happening. Special Envoy [Steve] Witkoff and [US President Donald Trump's son-in-law] Jared Kushner continue to work incredibly hard towards a peace agreement, and the President trusts them fully to lead negotiations on behalf of the United States," White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly wrote on social network X, commenting on the FT publication. At the same time, she called the FT's statement that the White House had declined to comment on the information in the article incorrect. According to Kelly, the material was published before the newspaper's request reached the US administration's press service. "It's a shame that Financial Times has devolved into a left-wing gossip rag that has zero interest in reporting accurate information," Kelly stated. Earlier, the Financial Times reported, citing sources, that although US President Donald Trump has not yet made up his mind regarding changes in US shuttle diplomacy, CIA Director John Ratcliffe may play a more active role in future negotiations on resolving the Ukrainian conflict. The report says that a turf war has broken out between Ratcliffe and Witkoff over who will be the chief US negotiator. The CIA press service has not yet responded to TASS's request for comment on this FT information. The CIA chief visited Moscow on August 25. Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the trip was part of communication between the two countries' intelligence agencies. Russian Foreign Intelligence Service Director Sergey Naryshkin confirmed that he had met with the CIA director during his visit to Moscow. Witkoff and Kushner visited Moscow on September 5. They were received by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The next day, they met with Zelensky in Kiev. As Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov reported, Putin and US leader Donald Trump held a telephone conversation on September 8. TagsUnited StatesPoll finds 45% of voters in eastern Germany support AfD, while only 12% back Merz's partyThe Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Greens each receive 9% supportRead moreLavrov recalls Putin’s words that if Europe attacks Russia, the war will be 'short'The Russian foreign minister noted that the head of state repeated several times that Moscow is not going to attack several timesRead moreIran strikes two US destroyers with ballistic missiles — IRGCAccording to the statement, the strikes inflicted significant damage on the shipsRead moreRussia's Safonov nominated for 2026 Lev Yashin TrophyThe awarding event will take place on October 26 in LondonRead moreKremlin spokesman comments on Ukraine settlement roadmaps, budget deficit, gas pricesRussia expects the launch of trilateral Russian-US-Ukrainian negotiations in the foreseeable future, Dmitry Peskov said Read moreKremlin expects Russia-US-Ukraine meeting in foreseeable future — spokesmanDmitry Peskov also rejected the possibility of an imminent road map for settlementRead morePutin to hold talks with Vietnamese President To LamThe officials will discuss trade and economic relations, scientific and educational ties, humanitarian exchanges, and security and defense cooperationRead moreLogistics centers, cargo terminal, warehouses hit: group strikes by Russian Armed ForcesUkrainian media reported explosions overnight and on Wednesday morning in Kiev, Nikolayev, Romny in the Sumy Region, and in KharkovRead moreTrump to address Republican convention in Dallas on September 9-10The US president said that the event is attracting a lot of interest, but he would like "to save the ‘stage’" for candidates that are in tight races in the midterm electionsRead moreHysteria following Leipzig drone incident is planned escalation — MFARussian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the widespread dissemination of baseless, false, and even absurd accusations has become a mandatory element of the information war against RussiaRead moreKiev says Zelensky, Trump to hold in-person meeting in SeptemberVladimir Zelensky earlier told journalists that he wanted to meet with Donald Trump to discuss receiving ballistic missilesRead moreRussia, North Korea to continue strengthening strategic partnership, Putin tells Kim"Relations between Moscow and Pyongyang have always been based on the principles of friendship, good-neighborliness, and mutual assistance," the Russian president notedRead morePutin, Aliyev agree by telephone to intensify Moscow-Baku contactsThe Kremlin press service reported that the heads of state "discussed a number of pressing issues"Read moreTop German diplomat says Kiev must pay greater attention to Berlin's economic interestsJohann Wadephul explained that Germany should benefit from providing Ukraine with the largest share of financial and military supportRead moreUS strikes Iranian oil tanker near Kharg Island — agencyAccording to a report by Tasnim, no one was hurtRead moreUkrainian settlement requires communicating with Russia — US Treasury SecretaryScott Bessent stated this while commenting on his meeting with Russian Finance Minister Anton SiluanovRead moreReplication of talks on Ukraine’s possible NATO membership out of question — LavrovThe foreign minister said that Russia had already responded to this scenario, stating that any people in military uniform and deployment of any military facilities would be a legitimate targetRead moreBattlegroup South infantry begins assault on Druzhkovka — Russian Defense MinistryRussian forces used precision-guided weapons to hit a warehouse of an enterprise producing unmanned boats, drones and components for them in Kiev overnightRead moreUS attacks another Iranian oil tanker — TVAccording to Iran’s public broadcaster, the crew are currently rowing lifeboats to JaskRead moreAbu Dhabi as venue for talks, Ukraine peace roadmap: Kremlin aide’s statementsYury Ushakov said that Moscow and Washington discussed the possibility of resuming contacts with Ukraine on a peaceful settlement, including trilateral talksRead moreIN BRIEF: Situation around Hungary's expulsion of ten Russian diplomatsRussia’s "response to the Russophobic lobby in Budapest will be harsh and painful," Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Read moreUkrainian drone attack on Krasnodar Region city kills four, injures 29 — governorVeniamin Kondratyev said that Novorossiysk was the most targetedRead moreVucic says will dissolve parliament on September 9, elections will be held on October 25Both decisions will be announced on Wednesday at noon, the Serbian president saysRead morePentagon says NATO must be prepared for ‘protracted conflict’ in UkraineElbridge Colby added that the authority "cannot predict" the duration of the conflictRead moreRussia’s readiness for talks on Ukraine and EU’s attempts to derail them: Lavrov’s remarksRussia is always ready for talks on Ukraine based on an understanding of the root causes of the crisis and aimed at reaching agreements to address them, the Russian foreign minister said Read moreFour people killed, 29 others injured in Novorossiysk, 596 UAVs: attack aftermathAs many as four people, including a child, were killed in a massive Ukrainian drone attack on Novorossiysk in the Krasnodar RegionRead moreAfD co-leader speaks out against supplying Ukraine with drones used to strike RussiaResponding to a question about the lifting of sanctions against Russia, Tino Chrupalla emphasized that "sanctions in any form are pointless"Read moreUS strikes targets near Iran’s Kharg Island, Jask — reporterAccording to Jennifer Griffin, the targets included Iranian oil tankersRead morePress review: Canada hits back at US tariffs and Spain faces scrutiny over Russian claimsTop stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, August 9thRead moreKalashnikov Group delivers another batch of precision air defense missiles to customerThe 9M333 anti-air missile is designed to engage aerial targets at any time of day in conditions involving the use of dropped, parachuted and modulated organized optical countermeasuresRead moreWest called for Ukraine ceasefire to quell massive Russian attacks — LavrovThe foreign minister explained that Moscow had been responding fiercely to Kiev's attacks on Russian territory for some timeRead moreRussia to propose business forum with Germany, US and AfD in 2027 — envoyKirill Dmitriev said the main goal of the event is to "revive business dialogue and bring common sense back"Read moreKnyaz Vandal drones have no counterparts worldwide — special op participantTimur Syrtlanov emphasized that the special military operation had given a powerful impetus to the development of the domestic military-industrial complexRead morePress review: Iran expands its naval war with US and EU blocks US ambitions in GreenlandTop stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, August 8thRead moreUkrainian checkpoint on border with Moldova suspends operations — State Border ServiceMilitary cargo for the Ukrainian armed forces is being delivered from Romania via international checkpoints in the Odessa region, transiting through MoldovaRead moreRussia to emerge from Ukraine conflict even stronger militarily — RUSI reportRussia has shifted from relying on mass firepower to mass precision strikesRead moreKiev’s Azov battalion has no motivated soldiers left — expertAndrey Marochko said the Azov fighters had lost steam, and Russian forces are now crushing what used to be elite unitsRead moreUkraine to use EU loan to purchase about 1,000 Patriot missiles — defense chiefAccording to the Ukrinform media outlet, Yevgeny Khmara specified that missile deliveries would largely begin in the coming yearsRead moreGermany’s AfD leader calls for resumption of Russian gas supplies amid low storageAlice Weidel stressed that gas injection must be the top priorityRead morePanic spreading in Ukraine over lack of winter preparedness, says Verkhovna Rada memberA day earlier, Anna Skorokhod said notices containing instructions for residents in the event of a potential collapse of essential services this winter had begun appearing in KievRead moreUS imposes sanctions against 35 companies for supporting Iran’s aviation sectorThe companies are based in Iran, the UAE, the UK, Malaysia, Turkey, and KazakhstanRead moreVucic dissolves Serbian parliament, early elections set for October 25The decree enters into force on the day of its publicationRead moreNATO preparing for protracted confrontation with Russia — diplomatRussian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova specified that NATO’s plans to build up military potential indicate a transition from limited deterrence to preparation for a potential protracted military actionsRead moreIran carries out missile strikes on Jordan airbases hosting US forces — TVAccording to sources cited by SNN, At least 20 missiles were launched at two airbasesRead moreRussian stocks close mixed on TuesdayThe yuan exchange rate against the ruble lost 13 kopecks to 12.75 rublesRead moreCopper price hits all-time high on ComexThe price was up by 2.85% at $6.873 per poundRead moreSome 1,700 Ukrainian troops encircled in Kharkov Region — Russia’s top brassOver the past 24 hours, the enemy lost up to 40 troops, an armored combat vehicle, two pickup trucks and three quadsRead moreRussia, China to expand AI cooperation — Russian diplomat"China has established a compelling international platform for interaction, framing it as an 'organization,' and Russia has supported this initiative," Maria Zakharova said Read moreINNOPROM India international industrial expo kicks off in New DelhiThe exposition features over 130 Russian and Indian participantsRead moreBattlegroup South infantry begins assault on Druzhkovka — Russian Defense MinistryAccording to the report, the units are operating according to a standard planRead moreIran seizes US Dive-LD underwater drone in Strait of Hormuz — IRGCThe drone has been in service with the US Navy since 2025Read moreUS envoys Witkoff, Kushner search for results in Ukrainian conflict settlement — LavrovThey visited Moscow on September 5 and Kiev on September 6Read moreConfidence in imminent victory, Putin’s visit to India: statements by Kremlin spokesmanRussia has to achieve its goals regarding Ukraine through a special military operation, although it would prefer to do so by peaceful means, Dmitry Peskov noted Read moreRussian diplomat blasts IAEA chief for refusing to admit it's Kiev that attacks ZNPPMaria Zakharova emphasized that Rafael Grossi had continued to shy away from the killings of this plant’s employees, the psychological pressure being put on their families and friendsRead moreRussia to achieve its goals on battlefield if West rejects compromise — Lavrov"If Western diplomacy boils down to holding back countries that put forward reasonable, balanced, compromise initiatives, then so be it," the Russian foreign minister saidRead moreRussian air defenses down 12 smart bombs, 713 Ukrainian drones over past dayUkraine has lost approximately 1,285 troops in the special military operation zone over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry reportedRead morePutin gave Trump objective analysis of special military operation — Kremlin aideYury Ushakov added that Vladimir Putin presented Russia's view of the prospects for progress on the battlefieldRead moreUS Central Command claims to have destroyed five Iranian oil tankersAccording to the US military, this was a response to IRGC attacks on US Navy warships twice over the past two days Read moreShootouts in Kiev due to SBU, GUR fighting over influence in illegal business — expertAccording to Vitaly Kiselev, the special services, which were supposed to safeguard Ukraine's integrity and constitutional order, have violated all existing international practicesRead moreDiplomat rejects US allegations of Chinese companies copying US AI technologyLiu Chang, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, urged the US to "discard bias" and "stop its containment on China’s sci-tech development" Read moreLavrov says EU has turned into NATO-like military blocThe Russian foreign minister commentied on Ukraine’s European integration plansRead moreRussia observed three-day moratorium on using force over US envoys’ visit to KievSteve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited Moscow on September 5 and Kiev on September 6Read moreUS envoys leave Kiev in shock over Zelensky entourage’s behavior — lawmakerAnna Skorokhod recalled that David Arakhamia, the head of the parliamentary faction of the ruling Servant of the People party, was wearing a "Kiev regime" T-shirt while speaking with the US envoysRead moreEurope to purchase more Patriot missiles for Ukraine by winter — BloombergAccording to the news agency, the countries are currently finalizing their plan to use NATO’s program known as the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements ListRead moreLavrov defends Putin’s warning to potential aggressorsThe Russian president previously said that if someone tries to "devour" Russia, they can expect to "get hit in the teeth"Read moreSaudi Arabia carries out over 30 airstrikes on Yemen — HouthisAccording to the report, the strikes targeted the governorates of Al-Jawf, Marib, Al-Hodeidah, and TaizRead moreNew US sanctions against Russia sit awkwardly with sentiments at negotiations — LavrovThe Russian foreign minister pointed out that Washington still continue extending all sanctions imposed by then-President of the US Joe Biden and the Biden CongressRead moreRussian retaliatory strikes for Ukraine’s attacks carry graver consequences, Lavrov saysAccording to the Russian foreign minister, the end of Ukraine is not a happy one, so he feels sorry for BritainRead moreRussia will not stop execution of military tasks during negotiations on Ukraine — LavrovMoscow is open to negotiations, the Russian foreign minister said Read moreExpired missiles supplied to Ukraine could detonate at European bases — war correspondentAlexander Kharchenko explained that expired missiles can explode on their own, without a command, as the munitions deteriorate with ageRead moreUAE warned Israeli PM of looming Hamas attack before October 7 — newspaperHaaretz cites sources from a new book on the incident as saying that about ten days before the attack, UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan called Benjamin Netanyahu to warn him that Hamas leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar was preparing a major attack on IsraelRead moreEuropean economy threatened by decline of region’s carmakers — FTThe newspaper quoted Francisco Riberas, chair and founder of Gestamp, who said that the automotive industry is the anchor for many other industries Read moreLavrov finds allegations that Russia going to attack Europe 'absurd'The foreign minister also believes that Europe will not attack Russia in the meantimeRead morePutin, Trump hold telephone conversationRussian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov informed of the conversation between the Russian leader and his US counterpartRead moreInnoprom. India International Industrial Exhibition begins in New DelhiThe plenary session, titled "Enhancing Russian-Indian Trade and Industrial Partnership: Towards Greater Self-Reliance," will be the central event of the exhibition’s business programRead moreTop US diplomat says steps toward Ukraine settlement could emerge in coming weeksMarco Rubio added that the US "has always been willing to play the role of a mediator"Read moreLebanese army intensifies operations in Nabatieh following Israeli airstrikesAccording to its statement, the troops had earlier been deployed across all areas of southern Lebanon not occupied by Israel "to reassure residents"Read moreRussia’s defense chief reaffirms strategic status of partnership with TajikistanAndrey Belousov said it at a reception to mark the 35th anniversary of the republic’s independenceRead moreKiev knows what needs to be done for peaceful settlement — PeskovThe Russian Presidential Press Secretary said the Kiev regime is currently “in a very difficult situation” caused by shortages of funds and weapons"Read moreUkraine has lost all signs of independent subject of international relations — LavrovThe top Russian diplomat said that "Ukraine, which we recognized as a legitimate entity in global politics, no longer exists"Read moreEU clears Ukraine loan derogation for Patriot interceptors, NATO chief announcesMark Rutte welcomed the agreement by the EU member statesRead moreRussia’s Dan-T munition is export version of Banderole missile — expert"One of the munition’s main competitive advantages is its significantly lower cost compared to Western counterparts," Alexander Stepanov saidRead moreLavrov compares the West to 'a wounded beast that is becoming far more dangerous'The Russian foreign minister pointed out that there can be no artificial preservation of Western dominance, which has lasted for over 500 yearsRead moreTop US diplomat describes Ukraine talks in Moscow, Kiev as substantiveMarco Rubio commented on a trip to Russia and Ukraine by US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared KushnerRead moreUkrainian army carries out 53 attacks on DPR in past day, kills civilianThirteen people were injuredRead moreImport pressure on Russian steel market persists — SeverstalAccording to Director of Severstal Distribution Viktor Romanovsky, the situation is more challenging in the finished products segmentRead moreIN BRIEF: Kremlin comments on accusations from Merz, Ukraine peace, Japanese militarismDmitry Peskov criticized attempts to blame Russia for everything as an expression of Russophobia that could turn into "a persecution mania"Read moreMillions of KVN fiber-optic drones delivered to Russia’s special op zone — developer"To this day, the KVN’s effectiveness as a frontline strike drone has not diminished," Alexey Chadayev said Read moreEurope spends budget money on defense, despite domestic problems — LavrovThe jingoist circles are simply working in their own interests, the Russian foreign minister said Read moreResults of US envoys’ visits and EU speculations: Putin-Trump phone callThe phone call lasted for exactly one hour and was constructive and candid, Vladimir Putin’s aide Yury Ushakov saidRead moreZelensky's 'aerial blackmail' tantamount to attempt to sow chaos — Russian MFAZelensky's statements exposed the terrorist nature of the Kiev regime, Maria Zakharova said Read moreRussia open to resolution-oriented talks, no ultimatums — LavrovAccording to the Russian foreign minister, the American negotiators - Steve Whitkoff and Jared Kushner - are addressing the problem rather than demanding something that is unfair and impossibleRead morePutin may agree to participate in Russia-China-US Summit if such offer is made — LavrovThe Russian foreign minister noted that such format of the summit cannot be considered as exclusive wish by the US, Chinese or Russian sidesRead moreRussia interested in strengthening strategic partnership with Vietnam — PMMikhail Mishustin said the Russian government prioritizes the expansion of trade and economic cooperation with Vietnam and the promotion of joint projects in various spheresRead moreDefense industry facilities, logistics centers in Kiev region: targets of Russian strikesRussian forces struck the Kiev-based Reinforced Concrete Structure Plant No. 1 in KievRead moreGeneral Assembly session kicks off at UN headquartersDuring the meeting, which lasted just under an hour, UN General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman addressed delegations on the session’s prioritiesRead moreGlobal oil market may face oversupply in foreseeable future — US Treasury chiefScott Bessent did not rule out OPEC "falling apart"Read moreAir defenses intercept 107 Ukrainian drones over Russian regionsThey were destroyed over the Belgorod, Bryansk, Kaluga, Kursk, Oryol, Rostov, Krasnodar and Moscow Regions, the Republic of Crimea and over the Black SeaRead moreIran to use proceeds from Hormuz Strait to improve living standards — lawmakerHassan Ghashghavi said that the revenues will be channeled to provide food vouchers, strengthen the country’s defense and infrastructure capabilities, as well as to improve the standard of living of military personnelRead moreRussia’s response to Ukrainian attacks, West’s strategic error: Lavrov’s statements"The world is multipolar regardless, because America is weakening in terms of its weight in the global economy and, consequently, its influence in global politics," the Russian foreign minister said Read moreRussian military base in Tajikistan on standby to fight external threats — defense chiefClose cooperation to use it has been maintained, Andrey Belousov saidRead more