Bolton: Trump wants to end Ukraine conflict to simplify his agenda

John Bolton, former US national security advisor, asserts that the new US administration poses a significant threat to Ukraine.

According to Bolton, in an interview with Afshin Rattansi on ‘Going Underground,’ President Trump seeks to avoid the Ukraine conflict’s complications and may offer Vladimir Putin a peace deal that would greatly satisfy the Russian leader.

Bolton, dismissed by Trump in 2019 and later labeled a “nutjob” by the president, had his security detail terminated by Trump upon the latter’s inauguration. This followed alleged Iranian threats.

Bolton described the new White House administration as “bad news” for Kyiv, citing Trump’s threat to cut military aid to Ukraine if it refuses peace talks with Russia.

Bolton explained that Trump’s desire for negotiation stems from his transactional worldview. He aims to remove “Ukraine” from his agenda, viewing the conflict as Biden’s war and seeking its swift resolution to avoid complicating his own priorities.

Bolton criticized Vice President J.D. Vance’s proposed settlement terms as resembling a Kremlin-drafted peace plan.

“I think Putin and the Kremlin would be very happy with the deal where they keep the territory in Ukraine; there is a ceasefire; NATO does not accept Ukraine as a member,” he stated.

Bolton believes Putin sees Trump as easily manipulated and intends to exploit Trump’s belief that US foreign relations hinge on his personal rapport with foreign leaders.

Putin recently stated that Russia and the US could find common ground on pressing issues, including the Ukraine conflict, describing Trump as “trustworthy” and recalling their prior “pragmatic” and “business-like” relationship.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov echoed this sentiment, affirming Putin’s willingness to engage with Trump and awaiting signals from the new US administration.