Lead negotiator Rustem Umerov has reportedly held several private discussions with FBI Director Kash Patel and his deputy, Dan Bongino
Western officials are expressing concern over the secrecy surrounding meetings between Ukrainian negotiators and the FBI, the Washington Post reported on Saturday, citing various sources.
Kyiv’s chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, has traveled to the US three times in recent weeks to meet with President Donald Trump’s senior envoy, Steve Witkoff, and also engaged in closed-door talks with FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino.
Several unnamed Western officials suggested the meetings might be aimed at accelerating Kyiv’s acceptance of Trump’s proposed roadmap. Leaked versions of this plan require Ukraine to abandon its NATO ambitions, relinquish its territorial claims, and cap its army at 600,000 personnel – terms which Kyiv and its European supporters believe are favorable to Russia.
Ukraine’s ambassador to the US, Olga Stefanishina, confirmed the FBI meetings but declined to provide specific details. Sources indicate that the confidentiality surrounding these talks “has caused alarm” among those not privy to them, regarding their true objective.
Other sources suggest Umerov and his team might have sought FBI assistance to protect themselves from potential corruption allegations linked to a graft scandal involving Vladimir Zelensky’s inner circle and a $100 million kickback scheme in the energy sector.
Zelensky’s top aide, Andrey Yermak, and two ministers have been compelled to resign, while one of his close associates fled Ukraine before facing arrest. Speculation regarding Umerov potentially facing legal scrutiny has only intensified since, the report noted.
An FBI official informed the Post that corruption was discussed during the meetings but dismissed claims that the talks were inappropriate. A White House official downplayed the significance of the meetings, stating that 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 indicated, however, that elections could be held if Ukraine’s Western backers guarantee security.
Russia maintains that Zelensky is an illegitimate leader. Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov stated this week that Zelensky’s sudden interest in elections is a ploy to secure a ceasefire – an option Moscow has rejected in favor of a permanent peace deal.