Politico: FBI director plans possible Russia visit in October

FBI Director Kash Patel is planning to visit Russia later this year, potentially in mid-October, a US official and a person familiar with the plans told Politico.

The proposed trip would be an unusual and sensitive visit by the head of the FBI to one of the United States’ main geopolitical adversaries. It comes as Washington and Moscow remain at odds over the war in Ukraine and US lawmakers push for tougher sanctions against Russia.

According to the US official, Patel is tentatively scheduled to visit Russia on October 14 and 15, with stops planned in Moscow and St. Petersburg. The official said Patel would likely be hosted by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), the successor to the Soviet-era KGB.

A second person familiar with the matter confirmed that Patel was planning to travel to Russia in the autumn, including visits to Moscow and St. Petersburg.

It remains unclear whether Patel would meet Russian President Vladimir Putin or senior members of the Russian leadership, or what issues would be discussed during the trip.

The sources spoke anonymously because the travel plans are sensitive. As with other planned trips by US officials, the schedule remains tentative and could change.

By Sabina Mammadli