Epstein files: Jeffrey Epstein pitched himself as Kremlin insider, sought Putin meeting, new documents reveal
Epstein files, Newly released Justice Department documents show that Jeffrey Epstein repeatedly sought to build ties with senior Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, as he attempted to position himself as a global power broker years before his arrest on sex trafficking charges. The documents detail Epstein’s communications with international political figures, revealing efforts to arrange meetings with Russia’s foreign minister and the Kremlin. The disclosures have renewed scrutiny of Epstein’s overseas contacts and prompted investigations in Europe, reports CNN.
In a June 2018 email to Norwegian politician Thorbjørn Jagland, then secretary general of the Council of Europe, Epstein suggested outreach to Moscow.
“I think you might suggest to putin, that lavrov, can get insight on talking to me. vitaly churkin used (to) but he died. ?!” Epstein wrote, referring to the late Russian ambassador to the United Nations.
Jagland replied that he would raise the matter with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s assistant. Epstein responded: “churkin was great. he understood trump after [our] conversations. it is not complex. he must be seen to get something its that simple.”
The documents do not show whether Epstein ever succeeded in meeting Putin. In a 2013 email to former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, Epstein wrote that Jagland planned to see Putin and asked whether Epstein would make himself available. Epstein later added, “I never met him, wanted you to know.”
Jagland also told Epstein he would pass along a message suggesting Epstein could be useful to the Russian leader. Epstein replied that Putin was “in a unique position to do something grand” and claimed he advised Bill Gates, writing, “this is confidential.”
Through a spokesperson, Gates has described meeting Epstein as a “serious error in judgment” and denied wrongdoing.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said this week that Poland would investigate Epstein’s possible links to Russian intelligence.
“More and more leads, more and more information, and more and more commentary in the global press all relate to the suspicion that this unprecedented pedophilia scandal was co-organized by Russian intelligence services,” Tusk said.
The Kremlin dismissed the suggestion.
“The theory that Epstein was controlled by Russian intelligence services can be taken in any way, but not seriously,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, adding reporters should “not waste time” on the claims.
Analysts cautioned that the documents largely show Epstein seeking proximity to powerful figures rather than evidence of influence. The records also show Epstein maintained contact with Russian figures tied to business and investment circles and travelled to Russia multiple times, according to flight logs.
Epstein pleaded not guilty to federal sex trafficking charges and died in jail in 2019 before trial. His death was ruled a suicide.
- Global Influence Attempts: Epstein repeatedly sought ties with senior Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, positioning himself as a global power broker before his arrest.
- Documented Communications: Emails show Epstein reaching out to Thorbjørn Jagland, former Israeli PM Ehud Barak, and others, discussing potential meetings with Putin and claiming advisory roles with figures like Bill Gates.
- Investigations & Reactions: Poland plans to probe Epstein’s possible links to Russian intelligence, while the Kremlin dismissed these claims; analysts note the documents indicate proximity-seeking rather than proven influence.
