"Trump may switch from Ukraine to the Middle East for the sake of the Nobel Peace Prize" - former Trump adviser John Bolton

Trump switches from Ukraine to the Middle East for the sake of the Nobel Peace Prize – John Bolton's opinion.
Former U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton believes that President Donald Trump may abandon mediation in the settlement of the Russian-Ukrainian war if he does not see prospects for receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.
Bolton shared this in an interview with the Spanish newspaper El País on May 30, 2025. El País is a leading Spanish-language newspaper with a global reputation, owned by the PRISA media group.
This source emphasizes that Trump "has always sought this award", especially after it was awarded to Barack Obama, then the U.S. President, in 2009. According to Bolton, Trump believed that Obama received this prize undeservedly, which only fueled his own ambitions.
“He has always wanted to receive it, ever since Barack Obama received it, and he thought he didn’t deserve it. Trump wants the Nobel Peace Prize. Whether he receives it for Ukraine, the Middle East, or mediation between India and Pakistan – it doesn’t matter.
If he does not get it in Ukraine, if his friend vladimir putin does not take the steps needed for peace, he will step back from these negotiations and focus on the Middle East.
That is why he sent his representative Steve Witkoff to negotiate with Iran: if Israel destroys Iran’s nuclear program, he will not receive the Nobel Peace Prize, but if he can negotiate with Iran to shut it down, he will get it,” said John Bolton.
Possible change in Washington’s priorities
The statements by Bolton coincided with an important trend: the U.S. administration is indeed considering the possibility of withdrawing from negotiations with russia if it makes “the wrong decision to continue the catastrophic war.”
Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, emphasized the importance of U.S. and EU participation in the next round of negotiations, which will take place on June 2, 2025, in Istanbul. According to Yermak, the presence of Western partners plays a key role for Ukraine.
Key points of Trump’s possible withdrawal
- Trump’s personal ambitions – a desire to get the Nobel Peace Prize at any cost.
- Lack of real success in Ukraine – in the absence of concessions from russia.
- New priority – the Middle East conflict, where Trump may try to play the role of peacemaker.
- Israel’s interests – peace negotiations with Iran, already involving Trump’s representative Steve Witkoff.

Who is John Bolton?

John Robert Bolton is an American diplomat, lawyer, and political figure. He was born in 1948 and has extensive experience in U.S. executive power structures. Bolton is known for his conservative views and tough stance on foreign policy issues.
From 2018 to 2019, he served as the National Security Advisor to President Donald Trump. During this time, Bolton actively participated in shaping the U.S. foreign policy agenda, including issues related to Iran, China, and russia.
Previously, he also held positions as:
- U.S. Ambassador to the UN (2005–2006).
- Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and Arms Control (2001–2005).
Bolton is known for his harsh criticism of Iran and its nuclear program, as well as for supporting an active and aggressive U.S. foreign policy on the global stage.

History of Donald Trump’s Nobel Peace Prize nominations

Donald Trump has been repeatedly nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize since 2018. These nominations recognized his diplomatic efforts in various regions of the world.
- 2018 – Two Norwegian parliamentarians, Christian Tybring-Gjedde and Per-Willy Amundsen, nominated Trump for his efforts to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula.
- 2019 – U.S. Congressman Luke Messer nominated Trump for his attempts to achieve peace with North Korea.
- 2020 – Tybring-Gjedde nominated Trump again for the “Abraham Accords” between Israel and the UAE.
- 2021 – A group of Australian law professors nominated Trump for his peace initiatives in the Middle East.
- 2024 – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney proposed Trump for his role in signing the “Abraham Accords” and their importance for the Middle East.
- 2025 – Congressman Darrell Issa recognized Trump’s efforts to promote peace in various regions, including Ukraine and the Middle East.
Despite these numerous nominations, Donald Trump has not yet received the Nobel Peace Prize.

Conclusions and implications

NAnews – Israel News highlights that Bolton’s statements may have serious implications for Ukraine and Israel. If Trump really decides to “switch” from Ukraine to the Middle East, it will change the dynamics of negotiations with russia.
For Israel, this opens new prospects — as negotiations with Iran directly affect its security. On the other hand, Ukraine may face a weakening of U.S. attention.
NAnews notes: John Bolton’s opinion is an important signal about possible shifts in U.S. priorities. This is especially relevant for Israel, which is also involved in regional negotiations.
The future of peace in Ukraine and the Middle East stands at the crossroads of interests, ambitions, and diplomacy. https://nikk.agency/en/trump-may/