Washington, DC [US]: FBI Director Kash Patel is planning to travel to Russia in mid-October amid ongoing geopolitical tensions between Washington and Moscow regarding the war in Ukraine, Politico reported, characterising the potential trip by the intelligence chief as "unusual and sensitive".
The report highlighted that Patel carries a history of involvement in controversial Russia-related developments originating from President Donald Trump's first term, including attempts to cast doubt on investigations examining whether Trump colluded with Russia to assist his 2016 electoral victory. Furthermore, Patel is establishing a pattern of undertaking high-profile international travel in his role leading the bureau, drawing heightened scrutiny from Congress, according to Politico.
