Zelenskyy receives U.S. intelligence on Moscow meetings amid domestic calls for transparency

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has acknowledged receiving intelligence from the United States regarding recent meetings held in Moscow. Zelenskyy expressed appreciation for the information and noted that the U.S. is promoting a “completely realistic vision” of the steps required to end the conflict with Russia.

This comes following an unannounced visit to Moscow by CIA Director John Ratcliffe on August 24. Reports indicate Ratcliffe met with Russian officials, including FSB Director Alexander Bortnikov, to convey warnings regarding Russia’s deteriorating military and economic situation and to urge a settlement.

Simultaneously, Zelenskyy is facing domestic pressure for greater transparency. An online petition initiated by activist Anna Repina, which has gathered over 7,000 signatures, calls for the President to hold an open press conference with independent Ukrainian media. The petition demands that journalists be allowed to ask questions without prior approval, noting that Zelenskyy’s last major engagement with independent domestic media was in February 2025.