The CIA has withdrawn Ralph Goff, an agency veteran and vocal supporter of Ukraine, from consideration to serve as its chief of clandestine operations. Goff had been appointed and given a start date for later this month before he was pulled from consideration. The CIA's DDO is responsible for overseeing the agency's covert activity and the gathering of HUMINT" one of the most challenging and vital aspects of the agency's work. The role is commonly seen as one of the most powerful jobs in the agency. No immediate explanation was given as to why Goff had been withdrawn from consideration for this important position. Goff's career at CIA spanned 35 years, and included significant stretches in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Europe. CIA declined to comment on this story.