The CIA director visited Kiev to meet with Zelensky

CIA Director, William Burnstraveled to Kiev last week for secret consultations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to two US officials.

From just before the invasion, Burns did Periodic visits to Ukraine to meet with intelligence officials and relay information to Zelensky.

Burns, whose trip was confirmed by US officials who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, is the latest high-level US official to visit Ukraine.

On Monday, a delegation comprised of Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman; Jon Finer, senior deputy national security adviser; and Colin H. Kahl, the deputy defense secretary for policy, met with Zelensky.

The CIA tries to keep Burns’ travels a secret, and the agency never comments on the matter.

But a US official acknowledged Burns’ visit, saying it was intended to “strengthen our continued support for Ukraine and its defense against Russian aggression”.

The Washington Postt previously reported the visit.

A second US official said Burns’ visit was an intelligence mission designed “to ensure information continues to flow in both directions”.

The US government has regularly complained that it knows more about Russia’s military moves and plans than Ukraine does.

Kiev has often been secretive about its operational plans.

But before the September counter-offensive, its officers began sharing more information about their intentions, allowing the United States to provide intelligence information which helped the Kiev army reshape its plans for attacking weak points in the Russian lines.

Burns, a career diplomat, emerged early in the Biden administration as an emergency envoy and troubleshooter for the White House.

And the intelligence relationship between Washington and Kiev has been vital to the war effort.

Ukraine is heavily dependent on Information from the CIA and other intelligence agencies about Russian plans.

Shortly before the invasion, Burns traveled to the Ukraine to warn Zelensky and urge him to strengthen the defenses around Kiev.

The information provided during that trip helped Ukraine do that repel the initial attack of elite Russian airborne troops against Hostomel airport, north of Kiev.

During the latest trip, Burns also met with senior Ukrainian intelligence officials, though US officials have declined to discuss the nature of those talks.

The visit comes at a crucial moment in the war.

Ukraine is pushing for more western heavy weapons, the Russian military has changed its commanding general, and the war is stalled for the winter, outside of the fighting in and around Bakhmut.

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