According to a U.S. official and a source familiar with the matter, FBI Director Kash Patel is planning to visit Russia this fall, reportedly between October 14 and 15. The trip is considered “unusual and sensitive” for the head of the FBI, as reported by a major political news outlet.
File photo of Kash Patel. Source: Political News Network
The itinerary reportedly includes stops in Moscow and St. Petersburg. The official indicated that Patel is likely to meet with Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB). Another insider confirmed the planned autumn visit, with stays in both cities.
It remains unclear whether Patel will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin or his top aides, and the agenda for any potential talks is unknown. As with similar plans by other U.S. officials, the schedule is tentative and subject to change.
As of now, neither the White House nor the FBI has commented on the report.
The news outlet noted that if the visit goes ahead, it would be a “highly unusual and sensitive” move for an FBI director. This comes at a time when Washington and Moscow are deeply divided over the Ukraine conflict, with many U.S. lawmakers pushing for new, tough sanctions against Russia. Patel himself has been involved in several Russia-related controversies. During President Trump’s first term, Patel challenged the investigation into alleged Trump-Russia collusion. Additionally, his past travel and spending decisions have been scrutinized by Congress, with some questioning the line between official business and personal leisure.
The last FBI director to make a public visit to Russia was Robert Mueller, who traveled there in 2013.
In President Trump’s second term, U.S. special envoy Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner have made multiple trips to Russia. Trump and Putin reportedly met in Anchorage, Alaska, in 2025.