Top Officials Warn Kremlin Could Blow Its Chance at Ceasefire
WASHINGTON, D.C. — As President Donald Trump intensifies efforts to bring peace to war-torn Ukraine, a surprising warning has emerged — and it’s coming from an unlikely source: John Bolton.
The former National Security Adviser, often critical of Trump, warned in a Sunday interview that Russian President Vladimir Putin may be miscalculating America’s resolve — and risks losing everything if he keeps pushing.
“Putin may be overplaying his hand with Trump,” Bolton said during his appearance on WABC’s Cats Roundtable. “He’s gotten a lot already — now he may push too far.”
Russia Under Pressure as Trump Leads Peace Talks
Russia continues to reel from crippling Western sanctions, yet Bolton acknowledged that Putin still maintains a strong grip politically — for now.
“The war has dragged on for years. Economically, Russia is suffering. But politically, Putin still looks strong — though that won’t last forever,” Bolton explained.
President Trump has proposed a 30-day ceasefire, a plan embraced by Ukraine and its European allies, including France, Germany, the U.K., and Poland. But Putin has yet to accept — and time is running out.
Ukraine Backs Trump’s Plan — But Will Russia Fold?
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced Saturday:
“We’re ready for a full, unconditional ceasefire — land, sea, and air — starting Monday. Now we wait to see if Russia is serious.”
Trump has made it clear: no ceasefire, no relief. More sanctions are on the table if Moscow refuses to cooperate.
Vance and Rubio Back Trump: ‘Russia’s Asking Too Much’
Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have echoed Trump’s hardline stance.
“The Russians are demanding far too much in these talks,” Vance said at the Munich Leaders Meeting. “We’re open to peace — but not at the cost of rewarding aggression.”
Secretary Rubio added that if no progress is made soon, the U.S. could withdraw from its mediating role.
Bolton Urges Putin: Take the Deal or Regret It
While Bolton isn’t often in Trump’s corner, even he admitted that Trump’s leadership may be Putin’s last off-ramp.
“Putin’s in one of the best positions he’s going to be in,” Bolton said. “A ceasefire would let his military regroup. But if he waits too long, he may lose it all.”
Bottom Line: Trump Takes Charge as Europe Watches
With President Trump leading the charge for peace and Western allies aligned, the world may finally be on the brink of a temporary truce. But only if Putin makes the right move — and fast.
Stay tuned for breaking updates on U.S.-Russia-Ukraine diplomacy.
