Russia Ukraine war: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirms meeting with CIA Director Bill Burns

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed Saturday (December 21) that he met with CIA Director William Burns in Ukraine, marking a rare public disclosure of their discussions as the country continues to fend off Russia’s invasion.

The United States has been a vital supporter of Ukraine’s financial and military efforts since Moscow launched its offensive nearly three years ago.

Washington has also provided Kyiv with regular intelligence sharing to bolster its defence capabilities.

Zelenskyy said he and Burns had held multiple undisclosed meetings since the start of the war, acknowledging the CIA director’s crucial role.

“Bill Burns paid his last visit to Ukraine as CIA Director,” Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram. “He and I have had many meetings during this war, and I am grateful for his help.”

More from World

Nepal's new PM pays homage to people died during the Gen Z protest in her first national address This Week in Explainers: How recovering from Gen-Z protests is a Himalayan task for Nepal

Bill Burns visited Ukraine on his final trip as CIA Director. Throughout this war, we’ve had many meetings, and I am deeply grateful for his assistance.

Usually, such meetings are not made public. All our meetings, whether in Ukraine, other European countries, the United States,… pic.twitter.com/llT7fF7Q2E

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 21, 2024

While Zelenskyy stressed that such meetings were typically kept confidential, he noted they had taken place in various locations, including Ukraine, Europe, and the United States.

Burns is expected to step down as CIA chief as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to nominate his own candidate for the role.

The last confirmed meeting between Zelenskyy and Burns occurred in mid-2023, following a secret trip to Ukraine by the CIA director, according to US officials.

Zelenskyy did not specify the date of their most recent meeting but posted a photo of the two shaking hands in front of Ukraine’s state crest. He stated it would be their final meeting before Burns exits the post.

The disclosure comes as the war enters a critical phase, with Trump set to assume office in a month. The incoming president has pledged to end the conflict “within hours,” raising concerns that Ukraine could face pressure to agree to a peace deal favouring Moscow.

With inputs from agencies