Former national security adviser John Bolton suggested on Friday that President Trump’s upcoming summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin is more likely to benefit Moscow than to foster peace.
“The only better place for Putin than Alaska is if the summit is in Moscow,” Bolton said during an appearance on CNN’s “Source.” He emphasized that the initial arrangement feels like a significant victory for Putin.
“He is an illegitimate leader in Palia, yet he will be welcomed by the United States,” Bolton remarked.
Bolton proposed Geneva or Austria as more suitable venues for a neutral meeting, referencing a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court in 2023 for Putin’s alleged illegal deportation of children.
“Honestly, I don’t believe anyone was against it,” Bolton stated. He later reiterated the notion that Putin might seek to manipulate Trump during their one-on-one meeting.
Trump announced on Friday a forthcoming meeting with the two leaders after threatening to cut funds for the war in Ukraine and ramping up sanctions on Russia to pressure its leaders into a ceasefire.
Moreover, the president indicated on Friday that Ukraine might need to consider giving up land to achieve an end to the conflict, with implications of territory exchange in a proposed deal.
In a separate interview, Bolton forecasted that Trump could align with Putin regarding the terms of any peace agreement.
“I sense this is moving quickly in favor of Russia,” Bolton told Collins.
He reflected on Trump’s earlier comments made on February 28, where Trump suggested to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, “You don’t have a card.” Bolton implied that discussions between the U.S. and Russia are focused on what Zelensky might present, possibly leaving him with few options.
Trump maintained he is being fair to both parties in the quest to end a war that has lasted over three years.
“Look at the territory that has been contested for three and a half years. Many Russians have died. Many Ukrainians,” Trump explained to reporters on Friday. “So we’re examining it, but in reality, we’re looking at some recoveries and exchanges.”
“It’s a complicated issue. It’s really quite simple, yet very complex,” he added. “But we will recover some territory, and there will be exchanges.”
Zelensky responded by asserting that Ukraine should be an active participant at the negotiation table.
