Former U.S. national security adviser John Bolton said Russian President Vladimir Putin emerged as the clear winner from the recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. In an interview with CNN, Bolton said that while “Trump did not lose,” Putin secured most of his objectives without offering substantive concessions in return. Bolton argued that the Russian leader advanced his goal of rebuilding ties with Washington, sidestepped prospects for additional sanctions and faced no commitment to a cease-fire in Ukraine. By contrast, he said, Trump left the talks with little more than an agreement to hold further meetings.
Bolton: Trump did not lose, but Putin clearly won. Trump left with nothing but talk of more meetings. Putin pushed his goal of rebuilding ties, avoided sanctions, faced no ceasefire, and kept Zelenskyy uninformed. He achieved most of what he wanted. Trump gained little. 1/ https://t.co/885xEmVOkF
🔴 Putin got exactly what he wanted from Trump After US president’s pampering, Russian leader will feel he has shown the world he is back where he belongs Read @DomNicholls's analysis below ⬇️ https://t.co/TijBf01J2w https://t.co/APHng0GWw9
Trump did not lose, but Putin was the real beneficiary of the meeting, - former Trump National Security Adviser John Bolton told CNN. https://t.co/Far3S7vKOl