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Politico reported that many U.S. officials are eager for CIA Director John Ratcliffe to take over as Washington's chief negotiator on the Russia-Ukraine war, sidelining current envoy Steve Witkoff. Sources described growing frustration within the administration over Witkoff's handling of talks, though the White House has officially denied any plan to replace him. The report highlights internal tension within the U.S. government over how to manage negotiations with Moscow and Kyiv, with some officials reportedly voicing blunt criticism of Witkoff's performance. No formal decision on a negotiator change has been announced.