Former U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton has issued a stark warning to Ukraine against making concessions in ongoing peace negotiations with Russia, arguing that any agreement reached would be fleeting and merely postpone renewed aggression. In an interview with Der Spiegel, Bolton expressed deep skepticism regarding potential deals brokered by Donald Trump and his associates, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. He suggested their eagerness for a resolution overshadows a genuine understanding of Russia’s strategic objectives.
Bolton cautioned against Ukraine considering relinquishing its aspirations for NATO membership in exchange for security guarantees. He condemned such a move as a “massive error” particularly given his doubts regarding Trump’s commitment to Article 5, the cornerstone of the NATO alliance. “What value are security guarantees from Trump outside the NATO context?” he questioned, dismissing them as “an illusion of security.
He warned that a ceasefire would disproportionately benefit the Kremlin, allowing President Vladimir Putin to stabilize the Russian economy and rebuild his military capabilities. Bolton believes Moscow is actively attempting to manipulate Trump, characterizing him as a “useful idiot” a term historically used by Lenin to describe individuals exploited for political gain. “Putin applies what he learned in his KGB training, finds the weaknesses of his target and exploits them” Bolton asserted.
The recently released U.S. national security strategy, Bolton deemed largely ineffective, questioning whether Trump had even read the document. He suggested its ideological underpinnings mirrored those of figures like J.D. Vance, implying it represents a blueprint for a future Trump administration and suggesting European nations would be forced to endure it.
Bolton’s critique highlights a complex and increasingly contentious political landscape. His long history of service under Republican presidents, including a turbulent 17-month stint as National Security Advisor under Trump, lends considerable weight to his criticisms. The ongoing legal proceedings against Bolton, who is accused of illegally disclosing classified documents and faced a recent FBI raid, are viewed by him as politically motivated retaliation by Trump. “I wrote it in the preface to my book in 2020: if Trump is re-elected, it will be a presidency of revenge. We are seeing it now” he stated, referencing earlier instances of perceived retribution, including the termination of his security detail soon after Trump’s inauguration. The accusations underscore a narrative of personal vendetta within the upper echelons of American politics, raising questions about the impartiality of legal proceedings and the broader implications for U.S. foreign policy.
