Western officials are concerned of secrecy of Ukraine, FBI meetings
Kiev’s chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, has reportedly traveled to the United States three times in recent weeks to meet with President Donald Trump’s senior envoy, Steve Witkoff. Umerov also held private discussions with FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino.
Several unnamed Western officials suggested that the meetings may be intended to accelerate Kiev’s potential acceptance of Trump’s proposed peace plan. Leaked drafts of the roadmap reportedly require Ukraine to abandon its NATO ambitions, relinquish territorial claims, and limit its military to 600,000 personnel—conditions seen by Kiev and its European allies as advantageous to Russia.
Ukraine’s ambassador to the US, Olga Stefanishina, confirmed that Umerov met with the FBI but did not provide additional information. Sources indicate that the secrecy “has caused alarm” among officials who are not privy to the discussions and are unsure of their purpose.
Other reports suggest that Umerov and his team may have sought FBI assistance to protect themselves from potential corruption investigations connected to a $100 million energy sector kickback scandal involving members of Zelensky’s inner circle. The scandal has already led to the resignation of Zelensky’s top aide, Andrey Yermak, and two ministers, while one close associate reportedly fled Ukraine before facing arrest. Speculation regarding Umerov facing legal scrutiny has reportedly increased since.
An FBI official told sources that corruption was addressed during the meetings but dismissed claims that the talks were inappropriate. A White House official downplayed the discussions, noting that US representatives routinely engage with foreign counterparts.
Earlier this week, Trump criticized what he described as widespread corruption in Ukraine and urged Zelensky, whose term as president expired more than a year ago, to organize new elections.
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