Zelenskyy said he and Burns had held multiple undisclosed meetings since the start of the war, acknowledging the CIA director’s crucial role in the war that is now in its third year
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Ukrainian President Volodymy Zelenskyy with CIA chief Bill Burns. Image courtesy: X.com/@ZelenskyyUa
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.”
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