During his 2024 presidential campaign, Donald Trump repeatedly pledged to end the Russia-Ukraine war within 24 hours of taking office.
“I would fix that within 24 hours, and if I win, before I get into the office, I will have that war settled,” Trump boasted. “One hundred percent sure.”
Since then, he has made similar claims multiple times, including during his debate with former VP Kamala Harris in September.
“If I’m president-elect, I’ll get it done before even becoming president,” Trump said at the time.
However, more than 50 days into his second term, the war continues unabated. In a recent interview with journalist Sharyl Attkisson, President Trump conceded that his earlier statements were “a little bit sarcastic,” clarifying that while he aims to resolve the conflict, the 24-hour timeframe was not literal.
“Well, I was being a little bit sarcastic when I said that,” Trump explained. “What I really mean is I’d like to get it settled, and I think I’ll be successful.”
Efforts toward peace have encountered significant challenges. Special envoy Steve Witkoff’s proposal for an immediate cease-fire was rejected by Moscow, with Russian officials insisting on detailed negotiations before halting military actions. Despite these setbacks, President Trump remains optimistic, planning to discuss potential resolutions with President Putin in an upcoming call.