Donald Trump’s reported plans for a trip to Russia are raising questions after a Kremlin-linked analyst suggested that FBI Director Kash Patel should not arrive in Moscow “empty-handed.” Patel is reportedly expected to visit Moscow and St. Petersburg in October, where he could meet with Russia’s powerful FSB security service. The unusual trip has fueled speculation about possible U.S.-Russia backchannel discussions and Patel’s potential role as a liaison between the Trump administration and Moscow. Russia has remained tight-lipped about the reported visit, while Patel has highlighted FBI cooperation with Russian law-enforcement agencies on cross-border crime.