John Bolton, who served as President Trump's national security adviser, cautioned on Thursday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's blunt criticism of Trump is a risky strategy that is unlikely to pay off, especially given Trump's precarious political standing at home.
In an appearance on NewsNation's "On Balance," Bolton told host Leland Vittert that Zelensky's lecturing would not serve him well. "Let's face it, everything Trump is doing now, whether it's relating to the war with Iran, whether it's the Russia-Ukraine war, is not based on strategic calculations of United States national interest," Bolton said. "It's based on electoral fears about what's going to happen on Nov. 3. So Zelensky, number one, isn't even talking the same language as Trump is at this point."
Bolton elaborated that engaging Trump in a "schoolyard way" would not advance anyone's interests. When asked if Zelensky was receiving poor advice on handling Trump, Bolton said, "Yeah, I think that's true. I mean, I can understand. Zelensky's angry and frustrated. My advice is go into your office, close the door and scream at the wall. Screaming at Trump just eggs him on."
Bolton also dismissed Trump's recent claim that Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries were responsible for rising diesel prices, calling it "bonkers." He further criticized Trump's proposed deal to import 300,000 tons of Russian diesel, arguing it "relegitimizes the Putin government, which has had real difficulty trying to present any kind of legitimate case for what it's doing in Ukraine."
The former adviser's comments come amid heightened tensions between Kyiv and Washington. Zelensky announced earlier this week that the Russia-Ukraine energy ceasefire was over, and Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries resumed Thursday in the Ryazan region, southeast of Moscow. The truce, unveiled by Trump on Sunday, was reportedly agreed to by the Kremlin, but Kyiv alleged that Russia had already broken it by continuing strikes on Ukraine. Trump responded to reporters, "I'll let you know about that later."
Bolton's remarks also highlight the broader disconnect between Trump's transactional approach and Zelensky's security concerns. As the conflict grinds on, the personal dynamics between the two leaders are increasingly strained. Trump has often touted his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the two are expected to meet at the Group of 20 summit in Florida in December. Zelensky has expressed willingness to attend the summit to meet with Putin, but Bolton's warning suggests that direct confrontation with Trump may be counterproductive.
This friction comes as Trump faces mounting domestic challenges, including investigations and a turbulent political landscape. His decisions on foreign policy, Bolton argues, are being driven more by electoral calculations than by long-term U.S. interests. The situation underscores the fragility of the U.S.-Ukraine relationship under Trump, which has been marked by fluctuating support and public disputes.
As the war in Ukraine continues, the international community watches closely. Whether Zelensky heeds Bolton's advice and recalibrates his approach to Trump remains to be seen, but the stakes are high for both leaders. For now, the former national security adviser's blunt assessment adds another layer to the complex and often contentious relationship between Washington and Kyiv.
