Trump's Promise to End Ukraine War Quickly Faces Difficulties

Donald Trump said he would end the war in Ukraine very quickly. However, the war is still going on. It seems that ending this war is more difficult than he first thought.
By Newsroom | Politics, International Relations |

A Pledge Facing Obstacles

Donald Trump repeatedly stated he would resolve the conflict in Ukraine within 24 hours of taking office, or even before his term began. This bold promise, made on the campaign trail, has encountered significant challenges as the war persists. The timeline for a swift resolution has stretched well beyond the initial 24-hour window, raising questions about the feasibility of such a rapid diplomatic outcome.

The Campaign Trail Promises

During his presidential campaign, Donald Trump made numerous pronouncements about his ability to bring an swift end to the war in Ukraine.

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  • He asserted, "I’ll get that war settled before I even become president. I’ll get it settled very quickly."

  • On multiple occasions, Trump repeated claims that he could settle the conflict within a day.

  • He even expressed certainty to Sean Hannity, stating he was "100% sure" he could fulfill this promise.

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These statements formed a significant part of his platform, suggesting a straightforward approach to a complex geopolitical issue.

Persistent Conflict and Shifting Explanations

Despite Trump's inauguration in January, the war between Russia and Ukraine has continued without a clear end in sight.

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  • As of April and May 2025, reports indicate that the conflict is still ongoing.

  • Trump's administration has faced difficulties in achieving a rapid peace deal.

  • When pressed on the lack of a resolution, Trump has offered varying explanations.

  • At one point, he suggested his earlier statements about a 24-hour resolution were made "sarcastically."

  • He also acknowledged that ending such conflicts is "more difficult than people would have any idea."

This shift in narrative contrasts with the initial absolute confidence expressed during his campaign.

Diplomatic Realities and International Views

The path to ending the Ukraine war involves intricate diplomatic hurdles and differing perspectives from international actors.

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  • Territorial Disputes: A major obstacle remains the unresolved issue of territories Russia has claimed to annex from Ukraine.

  • NATO Aspirations: Ukraine's potential membership in NATO also presents a complex point of contention.

  • Russian Stance: Russia's UN ambassador has stated that a quick resolution, as promised by Trump, is not feasible.

  • European Concerns: European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas noted that Russia has not demonstrated a genuine desire for peace, evidenced by continued attacks on civilian infrastructure.

These factors underscore the intricate nature of the conflict, making a unilateral, rapid resolution challenging.

Strategic Approaches and Criticisms

While Trump has promised a swift end, his administration's proposed strategies and actions have drawn attention.

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  • Reduced U.S. Aid: Trump has suggested a potential reduction in U.S. military aid to Ukraine.

  • Increased European Support: He has also called for European governments to increase their support for Ukraine.

  • Disagreement on Missile Strikes: Trump has expressed disagreement with Ukraine's use of longer-range missiles targeting Russian territory.

  • No Peace Proposal: Reports indicate that Trump's team has not yet presented a detailed peace proposal to Ukrainian leadership.

  • Personal Diplomacy: Trump has emphasized his personal relationship with Vladimir Putin as a key to brokering a peace deal, though recent calls have not yielded a breakthrough, with Russia continuing its strikes.

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The effectiveness and diplomatic implications of these approaches remain under scrutiny.

Expert Perspectives

Analysts and international officials have offered their views on the challenges of resolving the Ukraine war.

  • Vuk Vuksanovic, an associate at the London School of Economics think tank LSE IDEAS, commented that the lack of agreement on territorial issues and Ukraine's NATO status complicates any hasty resolution.

  • Keith Kellogg, designated by Trump as a potential special envoy to Ukraine, has indicated that Trump would not force Ukraine into an unfavorable agreement.

These insights highlight the complex international dynamics at play.

Conclusion

Donald Trump's recurring promise to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours has encountered the persistent realities of the ongoing conflict. His administration faces significant diplomatic and territorial challenges, and his explanations for the lack of a swift resolution have evolved. While he has suggested strategies involving reduced U.S. aid and increased European support, the absence of a concrete peace proposal and continued hostilities indicate that a rapid end to the war remains an elusive objective. The complex geopolitical landscape, coupled with differing international stances, suggests that any resolution will require sustained diplomatic engagement and compromise.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Did Donald Trump promise to end the Ukraine war quickly?
Yes, he said he would end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours of taking office.
Q: Is the war in Ukraine over?
No, the war is still happening.
Q: Why is it hard to end the war?
There are many reasons, like arguments about land and Ukraine possibly joining NATO. Russia also does not seem ready for peace.
Q: What has Trump said about his promise now?
He has said that ending the war is harder than he thought and that his earlier statements might have been made 'sarcastically'.