CIA Defends Meeting With Russian Spy Officials

CIA Director Mike Pompeo says there is nothing "untoward" about U.S. intelligence officials meeting with their Russian counterparts.

He's responding to criticism from Chuck Schumer, the Senate minority leader. Schumer said it was suspicious that two Russian spy chiefs under U.S. and European sanctions were allowed to visit with U.S. officials in Washington last week.

Pompeo said in a letter to Schumer that past administrations have met with Russian intelligence officials. He said topics include counterterrorism, aviation security and preventing foreign fighters from returning to both nations.

Schumer had said that the meeting was suspicious because it came just days before the Trump administration decided not to issue new sanctions against Russian politicians and oligarchs over Russian interference in the 2016 election.