“I do know there are numerous theories and hypothesis going round that Putin has a screw free,” Bolton advised the BBC. “I don’t assume so. I believe he’s a chilly, onerous, calculating guy.”
Bolton mentioned Putin is most likely “annoyed” on the efficiency of the Russian army so far, and that he’ll attempt to double down to avoid wasting face.
“He has to take a look at to turn army victory,” Bolton mentioned. “I don’t assume there’s a negotiated option to finish this.”
Bolton additionally criticized NATO’s choice to not get entangled militarily however to offer Ukraine with guns and intelligence. He argued this may do little to discourage Russia.
“If Putin sought after a pretext to mention that NATO used to be committing aggression in opposition to Russia on this war, or that NATO used to be a birthday celebration to this war, he’s already were given it,” Bolton mentioned.
“In a 2nd Trump time period, I believe he might neatly have withdrawn from NATO,” Bolton mentioned. “And I believe Putin used to be looking ahead to that.”
Trump appointed Bolton as nationwide safety adviser in 2018. He used to be fired not up to a yr later.