Bolton Trashes Trump Over Latest Victory
Former National Security Adviser John Bolton has been highly critical of former President Donald Trump’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, accusing him of essentially conceding to Russian President Vladimir Putin before peace talks have even started. Bolton’s comments reflect growing concerns within the Republican Party about the direction of U.S. foreign policy and the handling of this critical global conflict.
During a CNN interview with Kaitlan Collins, Bolton expressed his lack of optimism regarding the outcome of upcoming peace talks, stating, “Donald Trump has basically surrendered to Putin before the negotiations have even started.” Bolton further elaborated on his concerns by commenting on the recent statements made by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, where Hegseth suggested that Ukraine’s membership in NATO may no longer be a realistic goal. Bolton believes that these remarks could have been scripted directly by Moscow, underscoring what he sees as a dangerous shift in U.S. policy.
Trump’s recent conversations with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlight his intention to push for an end to the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe. However, Trump’s apparent willingness to make concessions, such as the abandonment of Ukraine’s NATO aspirations, has raised alarms among hawkish Republicans, like Bolton.
Bolton pointed out that up until recently, the U.S. and NATO had held a firm stance that Ukraine should retain its sovereignty and territorial integrity. But, according to Bolton, the current administration’s approach signals a “complete reversal” of this longstanding policy, leaving key issues, such as Ukraine’s potential NATO membership, in question.
Trump’s own remarks on the situation further indicate a shift, suggesting that it may be unrealistic for Ukraine to regain its pre-2014 borders. His comments were seen by critics as an indication that he is willing to compromise with Putin, even at the expense of Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
This change in U.S. foreign policy is being closely watched by Republicans, especially those who view Putin’s actions as a direct threat to American interests. With the prospect of future talks with Putin in Saudi Arabia, there are concerns that Trump’s handling of the situation could lead to a deal that favors Russian interests rather than a long-term, strategic peace for Ukraine and its allies. As the world watches, many Republicans remain wary about the potential consequences of this new approach to the conflict.
