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Sunday, Feb 08, 2026
Outside the box.
Newly Released Epstein Files Reveal Persistent Efforts to Forge Ties with Russian Leadership and Seek a Meeting with Vladimir Putin
U.S. Department of Justice documents show the late financier cultivated relationships with senior Russian figures and repeatedly tried to arrange an audience with Putin, though no meeting took place
A fresh tranche of documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice has cast new light on Jeffrey Epstein’s international connections, revealing that the disgraced financier maintained contacts with senior Russian figures and repeatedly sought to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The files, part of more than three million pages of material made public under transparency provisions, show numerous references to Russia and Kremlin-linked individuals, prompting renewed scrutiny of Epstein’s global network.
Epstein’s correspondence from the early 2010s through 2018 includes multiple attempts to arrange a meeting with Putin, often through intermediaries such as former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland.
In one exchange, Jagland urged Epstein to convey his proposals to Putin directly, while other emails show Epstein chasing introductions through various contacts at international gatherings and economic forums.
Despite these efforts, the records contain no evidence that such a meeting ever occurred, and there is no indication that the Russian president agreed to an audience.
Among the relationships underscored by the files is Epstein’s connection with figures who had ties to Russian institutions.
The documents reference correspondence with a high-ranking graduate of Russia’s Federal Security Service Academy, who assisted Epstein with visa arrangements and discussions about potential business opportunities in Russia, including investment proposals tied to financial technology.
Epstein also appears to have facilitated introductions for family members of senior Russian diplomats, underscoring the breadth of his personal network.
The files contain more than a thousand mentions of Putin and thousands more references to Moscow, reflecting the recurring theme of Russia in Epstein’s interactions.
In addition to attempts to court Putin, the material details Epstein’s engagement with other Russian-linked figures, including a former Russian United Nations ambassador and individuals linked to pro-Kremlin movements.
These sections of the archive have fuelled speculation among analysts about the nature of Epstein’s ambitions and the extent to which his relationships intersected with geopolitical interests.
Experts emphasise that references to prominent figures or repeated contact attempts do not constitute proof of formal intelligence operations or direct political influence.
Although some have framed the patterns as suggestive of broader strategic positioning, authoritative reporting notes that the raw documents include a mix of unverified drafts, emails and contextual mentions that must be carefully interpreted.
Still, the disclosures have prompted at least one European government to launch a formal inquiry into potential intelligence links related to Epstein’s interactions with Russian operatives.
The files, part of more than three million pages of material made public under transparency provisions, show numerous references to Russia and Kremlin-linked individuals, prompting renewed scrutiny of Epstein’s global network.
Epstein’s correspondence from the early 2010s through 2018 includes multiple attempts to arrange a meeting with Putin, often through intermediaries such as former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland.
In one exchange, Jagland urged Epstein to convey his proposals to Putin directly, while other emails show Epstein chasing introductions through various contacts at international gatherings and economic forums.
Despite these efforts, the records contain no evidence that such a meeting ever occurred, and there is no indication that the Russian president agreed to an audience.
Among the relationships underscored by the files is Epstein’s connection with figures who had ties to Russian institutions.
The documents reference correspondence with a high-ranking graduate of Russia’s Federal Security Service Academy, who assisted Epstein with visa arrangements and discussions about potential business opportunities in Russia, including investment proposals tied to financial technology.
Epstein also appears to have facilitated introductions for family members of senior Russian diplomats, underscoring the breadth of his personal network.
The files contain more than a thousand mentions of Putin and thousands more references to Moscow, reflecting the recurring theme of Russia in Epstein’s interactions.
In addition to attempts to court Putin, the material details Epstein’s engagement with other Russian-linked figures, including a former Russian United Nations ambassador and individuals linked to pro-Kremlin movements.
These sections of the archive have fuelled speculation among analysts about the nature of Epstein’s ambitions and the extent to which his relationships intersected with geopolitical interests.
Experts emphasise that references to prominent figures or repeated contact attempts do not constitute proof of formal intelligence operations or direct political influence.
Although some have framed the patterns as suggestive of broader strategic positioning, authoritative reporting notes that the raw documents include a mix of unverified drafts, emails and contextual mentions that must be carefully interpreted.
Still, the disclosures have prompted at least one European government to launch a formal inquiry into potential intelligence links related to Epstein’s interactions with Russian operatives.
