Trump Walks Back 24-Hour Russia-Ukraine War Pledge, Calls It ‘Sarcastic’/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump admitted Friday that his campaign promise to end the Russia-Ukraine war in 24 hours was “a little bit sarcastic.” In an interview with “Full Measure,” Trump clarified that he still aims to broker a peace deal, as his administration works on a U.S.-proposed ceasefire that Ukraine has accepted. His special envoy, Steve Witkoff, met with Vladimir Putin in Moscow this week to discuss potential terms.
Trump’s Russia-Ukraine War Comments Quick Looks:
- Campaign Rhetoric Walked Back: Trump now says his 24-hour resolution pledge was sarcastic, though he still wants to end the war quickly.
- Ceasefire Negotiations Underway: Special envoy Steve Witkoff recently met with Putin in Moscow to discuss a U.S.-backed truce proposal.
- Ukraine Has Agreed to a Ceasefire: The U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire has been accepted by Ukraine, but Russia has yet to commit.
- Trump’s Outlook on Putin: Trump expressed confidence, saying, “I think I know him pretty well and I think he’s going to agree.”
- War’s Deadly Toll: Trump emphasized the urgent need for peace, warning that continued fighting would be “bad news for this world.”
Trump Walks Back 24-Hour Russia-Ukraine War Pledge, Calls It ‘Sarcastic’
Deep Look:
Trump Clarifies 24-Hour War Resolution Claim
President Donald Trump admitted Friday that his repeated campaign promise to end the Russia-Ukraine war in 24 hours was not meant to be taken literally.
“Well, I was being a little bit sarcastic when I said that,” Trump told “Full Measure” in an interview clip released ahead of the Sunday broadcast.
Instead, Trump emphasized his administration’s active efforts to negotiate peace, stating:
“What I really mean is I’d like to get it settled, and I think I’ll be successful.”
At a CNN town hall in May 2023, Trump said:
“They’re dying, Russians and Ukrainians. I want them to stop dying. And I’ll have that done — I’ll have that done in 24 hours.”
During a September 2024 debate against then-Vice President Kamala Harris, he doubled down, declaring:
“I will get it settled before I even become president.”
Now 54 days into his second term, Trump’s administration is still working toward a resolution—though not on the accelerated timeline he originally suggested.
Ceasefire Talks in Moscow
Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, traveled to Moscow this week to discuss a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire.
- Ukraine has already accepted the ceasefire deal.
- Putin has not fully committed, saying he needs further clarifications.
Trump remains optimistic, saying:
“I think, I think he’s going to agree. I really do. I think I know him pretty well.”
However, Russia’s recent military gains could make Putin hesitant to agree to a ceasefire, as analysts suggest he may believe he has the upper hand on the battlefield.
Trump’s Challenge: Balancing Rhetoric with Reality
The admission of sarcasm is a rare move for Trump, who has often been criticized for exaggerated claims.
While his confidence in negotiating with Putin remains high, the complexity of the war means a quick resolution is far from guaranteed.
As ceasefire discussions continue, Trump’s next steps will determine whether his long-promised peace deal materializes—or remains just campaign rhetoric.
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