Bolton on Russia sanctions warning: Trump setting the stage to declare ‘I’m finished with this’

Bolton Suggests Trump May Step Back From Ukraine Conflict

Former national security adviser John Bolton has warned that President Trump could soon withdraw from efforts to resolve Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine.

The Trump administration has been working with both Kyiv and Moscow to broker peace, while Republican lawmakers have pushed for secondary sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“He didn’t get what he wanted, which was a quick ceasefire from his friend Vladimir. He tried for six months, and it’s not going anywhere,” Bolton said Monday during an appearance on NewsNation’s On Balance. “Now he’s justifying steps against Putin, but I think it’s also preparing the ground for him to say, ‘I’m done with it, it’s Europe’s war, that’s what I said in the beginning, I’m done with it.’”

Trump Threatens New Tariffs on Russia

During a meeting Monday with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House, Trump threatened to impose steep tariffs on Russia if ceasefire proposals continue to be rejected.

“We’re very, very unhappy with [Russia], and we’re going to impose very severe tariffs if we don’t have a deal in about 50 days,” Trump said.

Bolton noted that Putin has managed to delay peace efforts, leaving Trump frustrated. “I think he believed Putin was his friend — and maybe still does. But friendships can sour,” Bolton told anchor Leland Vittert.

NATO Deal and U.S. Military Support

Last week, NATO leaders reached an agreement with the Trump administration to purchase U.S.-made weapons for Ukraine’s defense. The systems, Trump confirmed Monday, will include Patriot missile batteries to bolster Ukraine’s air defenses and provide advanced warnings of Russian strikes.

“Several former American commanders in Europe have said Ukraine has the potential to win this war,” Bolton noted. “The U.S. could uniquely help by providing a solid strategy and the weapons systems needed to execute it.”

Bolton stressed that even three years into the conflict, a decisive Ukrainian victory would have far-reaching effects. “Putin thinks he’s on a roll right now, though I don’t understand why. A defeat for Russia would send a strong message, not just in Ukraine but across the former Soviet states and to China, showing America’s willingness to stand up to aggression.”