Ending Russia-Ukraine war in 24 hours: 'I was being a little bit sarcastic,' Trump admits

Washington: President Donald Trump stated on Friday that he was “being a little bit sarcastic” when he repeatedly claimed during his presidential campaign that he could resolve the Russia-Ukraine war within 24 hours, even before taking office.

Trump was asked about the repeated vow during an interview for the “Full Measure” television programme, as his administration continues to attempt to broker a solution, 54 days into his second term.

“Well, I was being a little bit sarcastic when I said that," Trump said in a clip released ahead of the episode airing on Sunday. “What I really mean is I’d like to get it settled and, I’ll, I think, I think I’ll be successful.”

This admission marked a rare moment of reflection for Trump, known for making exaggerated claims.

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.”

Trump also made a similar claim during a September debate with then-Vice President Kamala Harris, stating, “That is a war that’s dying to be settled. I will get it settled before I even become president. If I win, when I’m president-elect, and what I’ll do is I’ll speak to one, I’ll speak to the other. I’ll get them together.”

The Republican candidate frequently reiterated this promise on the campaign trail.

This week, Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, was in Moscow for talks regarding a U.S.-proposed ceasefire, which Ukraine has accepted.

When asked during the interview what the plan would be if Russian President Vladimir Putin does not agree to a ceasefire, Trump replied, “Bad news for this world because so many people are dying.”

“But I think, I think he's going to agree. I really do. I think I know him pretty well and I think he's going to agree,” he added.