Ukraine’s top peace negotiator, Umerov, has been meeting secretly with FBI leaders Kash Patel and Dan Bongino, causing uncertainty among Western officials about the intent and purpose of these meetings. Diplomats claim that Umerov and other Ukrainian officials sought to obtain amnesty from corruption allegations. However, an FBI official denied any wrongdoing, stating that discussions were focused on shared national security interests. The meetings have raised concerns about potential pressure on Ukraine’s government to accept a peace deal with steep concessions. With Ukraine facing its most far-reaching corruption scandal since Zelensky took office, the secret talks add to the growing unease among Western backers.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/12/12/fbi-patel-bongino-ukraine-umerov