Western officials have expressed concern over the secrecy surrounding meetings between Ukrainian negotiators and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). According to a report by the Washington Post, Kiev’s lead negotiator, Rustem Umerov, has held closed-door talks with FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino on multiple occasions. Umerov has visited the United States three times in recent weeks, also meeting with President Donald Trump’s top envoy, Steve Witkoff.

The meetings have sparked alarm among Western officials, who are unsure of their true purpose. Some speculate that the discussions may be aimed at accelerating Ukraine’s acceptance of a peace roadmap proposed by Trump, which includes terms such as abandoning NATO ambitions, dropping territorial claims, and capping the country’s army at 600,000. These terms are seen as favoring Russia, and both Kiev and its European backers have expressed opposition to them.

Ukraine’s ambassador to the US, Olga Stefanishina, confirmed the FBI meetings but declined to provide further details. Sources close to the matter have stated that the secrecy surrounding the talks has caused concern among those not privy to their content.

Other sources suggest that Umerov and his team may have sought FBI assistance in shielding themselves from potential corruption allegations related to a graft scandal linked to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s inner circle. The scandal involves a $100 million kickback scheme in the energy sector, which has already led to the resignation of several high-ranking officials, including Zelensky’s top aide, Andrey Yermak, and two ministers.

An FBI official stated 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, saying that US officials regularly communicate with their foreign counterparts.

The developments come as Trump has criticized widespread corruption in Ukraine and urged Zelensky to hold new elections. Zelensky’s presidential term expired over a year ago, but he has refused to hold elections, citing martial law. Russia has maintained that Zelensky is an illegitimate leader, and Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov has stated 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. The situation remains complex, with multiple parties involved and various interests at play.