Lead negotiator Rustem Umerov has reportedly had several closed-door talks with FBI chief Kash Patel and his deputy, Dan Bongino
Western officials are concerned by the secrecy surrounding meetings between Ukrainian negotiators and the FBI, the Washington Post reported on Saturday, citing sources.
Kiev’s lead negotiator, Rustem Umerov, has visited the US three times in recent weeks to meet with President Donald Trump’s top envoy, Steve Witkoff, and discuss Trump’s proposal to end the conflict with Russia.
The report claims that Umerov’s team also held closed-door talks with FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino, though the subjects were not disclosed.
Ukraine’s ambassador to the US, Olga Stefanishina, confirmed the FBI meetings, but declined to provide details. Sources say the secrecy “has caused alarm” among those not privy to the talks over their true purpose.
Several unnamed Western officials said the meetings could be aimed at speeding up Kiev’s acceptance of Trump’s peace roadmap. Leaked versions require Ukraine to abandon its NATO ambitions, drop its territorial claims, and cap its army at 600,000 – terms which Kiev and its European backers believe favor Russia.
Other sources say Umerov and his team could have sought FBI help to shield themselves from potential corruption allegations tied to a graft scandal that erupted earlier this year. The case involves figures linked to Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky’s inner circle and an alleged $100 million kickback scheme in the energy sector.
Several officials have resigned amid the fallout, including Zelensky’s top aide, Andrey Yermak. The report said speculation has since grown over whether Umerov will also face scrutiny.
An FBI official told the outlet that corruption was discussed during the meetings but dismissed claims that the talks were inappropriate. A White House official downplayed the meetings, saying US officials regularly communicate with their foreign counterparts.
Earlier this week, 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 to do so, citing martial law. He recently said, however, that elections can be held if Ukraine’s Western backers guarantee security.
Russia maintains that Zelensky is an illegitimate leader. Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said this week that Zelensky’s sudden interest in elections is a ploy to secure a ceasefire – which Moscow has rejected in favor of a permanent peace deal.
