John Bolton, former national security advisor under President Donald Trump, has become an outspoken critic of his former boss, particularly regarding the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. In a recent CNN appearance, Bolton warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin “knows how to play Trump,” and expressed concern that this could lead to a dangerous peace deal for Ukraine. Bolton, who was fired by Trump in 2019, has had a strained relationship with the former president ever since, and his recent comments reflect a deepening divide on foreign policy issues.
The war in Ukraine, now entering its third year, has resulted in thousands of casualties and severe damage to the country’s infrastructure. It began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022, prompting a global response. The United States, under both President Trump and President Biden, has been a strong ally to Ukraine, providing billions of dollars in military aid and condemning Russia’s actions as an attack on Ukrainian sovereignty.
While Trump has criticized Ukraine’s leadership, calling President Zelensky “no angel” and suggesting the war could have been avoided, he has also urged Russian President Putin to end the conflict or face harsh economic consequences. Trump’s approach to the war has emphasized sanctions, tariffs, and pressure on OPEC to increase oil production to weaken Russia’s economy.
Despite his strong stance on economic measures, Bolton expressed concern that Trump’s desire to quickly end the war could lead to a rushed or favorable deal for Putin. “If you don’t care about the terms of the resolution, I think Putin will influence Trump. He knows how to do it,” Bolton warned. The fear is that in the rush for peace, Ukraine could be left with a deal that undermines its sovereignty or security.
As Trump prepares to resume his push for a peace deal, meeting with both Putin and Zelensky in the coming weeks, the Republican base is left wondering what kind of foreign policy they will face under a potential second Trump term. While many appreciate Trump’s “America First” stance, Bolton’s warnings highlight the complexities and dangers of negotiating with a ruthless leader like Putin.