Trump Reveals Campaign Promise to End Ukraine Conflict in 24 Hours Was a Joke

U.S. President Donald Trump admitted that his bold campaign pledge to resolve the Ukraine conflict within 24 hours was a joke. During a press conference in Washington today, Trump addressed the mixed reactions his statement had garnered from voters and analysts alike, clarifying that the phrase—repeated frequently throughout his 2024 campaign—was not meant to be taken literally, but rather served to illustrate his commitment to achieving peace.

Despite the lighthearted acknowledgment, Trump indicated that discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding a potential ceasefire are advancing, although he acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead. “We are working on it and things are going quite well, but it is not an easy question,” Trump stated, adding that more details regarding ceasefire prospects would be revealed soon, specifically by March 17.

The president’s admission that his earlier promise was intended as a joke has elicited mixed reactions, with political analysts warning that it could undermine his credibility among supporters who anticipated a swift resolution to the conflict. His approval ratings, which Gallup polls indicated were around 45% in February 2025, lag behind President Joe Biden’s, who stood at approximately 52% during the same period in March 2021. Experts suggest that Trump’s popularity could further decline if his promises fail to translate into concrete outcomes.

Since taking office on January 20, 2025, the Trump administration has ramped up diplomatic efforts to address the conflict. Special Envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg noted in an interview with Fox News that the initial goal of ending the war in 100 days was overly ambitious, and the focus has now shifted to a more realistic timeline of several months. In early March, Trump spoke with Putin by phone, and subsequent consultations took place in Kyiv with National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. According to The Washington Post, the U.S. is considering a temporary ceasefire along current front lines, but Russia’s insistence on recognition of its territorial gains remains a significant hurdle for Ukraine.