Former US National Security Adviser John Bolton has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of manipulating US President Donald Trump amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
Bolton said Putin is maneuvering to have a one-on-one phone conversation with Trump, which could further Russia’s interests.
Bolton’s claims come after Trump stated that he believes the war between Russia and Ukraine could end following productive discussions with Putin.
Trump has been keen to broker a peace deal, even requesting that Putin spare the lives of Ukrainian troops who are completely surrounded.
However, Bolton is skeptical of Putin’s intentions, saying, “If you look at the American position on the war, the only regret in the Kremlin is that they did not ask for more.”
This statement, he said, suggests that Russia may be taking advantage of the US’s willingness to negotiate.