After U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin Wednesday, he had nothing but kind words for the man who is hellbent on destroying democracy.
US national security adviser John Bolton once said that Russia's interference in the 2016 presidential election was "an act of war" against the US and warned that the US could not trust Russia.
On Wednesday, he told the Russian leader: "We are most appreciative of your courtesy and graciousness."
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Citing Kremlin spokesperson Yury Ushakov, the Russian state media outlet TASS reported Putin and Bolton discussed "strategic stability in the world, control over nuclear weapons and, in general, a disarmament dossier." Ushakov said they also discussed the conflicts in Syria and Ukraine, North Korea, and the Iran nuclear deal.
Bolton and the Kremlin did not say whether he and Putin discussed Russia's election meddling. The Kremlin said the two men did not broach the subject of sanctions or the diplomatic spat between the US and Russia.
Bolton held a press conference in Moscow following the meeting and broadcast from a state media facility rather than the U.S. embassy.
One reporter asked Bolton whether he felt it was appropriate for Trump and Putin to meet given that Russia has not changed any of its behavior in the past.
He was also asked whether Trump would broach Russia's election interference and allegations that a Russian missile was responsible for downing Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 in 2014.
Bolton responded that "there are a wide range of issues ... where both [Trump and Putin] think they'd like to find constructive solutions. I'd like to hear someone say that's a bad idea."
"You yourself said a national security policy based on faith that regimes like Russia will honor their commitments is doomed to failure," the reporter replied.
Bolton said that he would not address previous statements he had made and reiterated that Trump will "raise the full range of issues" between the US and Russia when the presidents meet in July.
He also said Trump and Putin would likely discuss Trump's recent calls for Russia to be readmitted to the G7.
John Bolton just did a complete 180 on his Russia stance after meeting with Putin (Business Insider)