Donald Trump promised to end the Ukraine war in 24 hours. Now, over two months into his presidency, that goal remains elusive.
Trump’s Bold Promise and the Reality Check
When Donald Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in New York last September, he projected confidence about quickly resolving the war.
“If we win, I think we’ll resolve it quickly,” he stated at the time.
However, his timeline shifted. During a televised debate, he claimed he would settle the conflict before his inauguration. This escalated from his original May 2023 assertion that he would end the war within 24 hours as president.
Despite these pledges, the war persists. White House officials now acknowledge that achieving peace is far more complicated than anticipated.
In a recent interview, Trump admitted that his promise to end the war in a single day was made “sarcastically.”
Obstacles to a Peace Deal
Several challenges have slowed Trump’s peace initiative.
1. Over-Reliance on Personal Diplomacy
Trump’s belief in direct negotiations as a solution to global conflicts has faced setbacks.
His first call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 12 lasted 90 minutes and was described as “very productive.” A second call followed on March 18. However, neither conversation resulted in the 30-day ceasefire Trump aimed for.
Putin only agreed to halt attacks on Ukrainian energy sites—a promise Ukraine claims he broke within hours.
2. Putin’s Reluctance to Rush a Deal
Putin has made it clear he will not accept a quick resolution.
A month after his initial call with Trump, Putin publicly rejected Washington’s proposal for a ceasefire followed by peace talks. Instead, he insisted on addressing his primary concerns first: NATO expansion and Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Putin outlined a list of demands that must be resolved before discussions on a peace agreement can move forward.
3. Washington’s Miscalculation on Kyiv’s Role
Trump’s administration initially assumed that Zelensky was the primary roadblock to peace.
This assumption led to tensions, culminating in a public Oval Office confrontation between Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Zelensky. The diplomatic rift consumed valuable time and strained U.S.-European relations, giving Putin an advantage.
4. Complex Battle Lines and Peace Talks
Ceasefire negotiations have also faced technical difficulties.
Ukraine proposed limiting the ceasefire to air and naval operations, believing these would be easier to enforce. However, during recent talks in Jeddah, the U.S. pushed for a broader ceasefire, including the eastern front.
Putin rejected this, arguing that monitoring such a ceasefire would be nearly impossible. Even his limited commitment to stop targeting energy sites has created complications.
On Monday, technical experts will meet in Saudi Arabia to define which power plants, including nuclear facilities, require protection. These discussions will also cover weapons restrictions. However, differentiating between energy sites and other civilian infrastructure may prolong talks.
With Russia and Ukraine refusing direct negotiations, the U.S. has become the mediator—adding another layer of delay.
Distractions and Strategic Interests
5. U.S. Business Interests in Ukraine
Trump’s approach to the Ukraine conflict has not solely focused on diplomacy. His administration has also pursued American business interests, particularly in Ukraine’s critical mineral sector.
While some officials view this as a long-term investment in Ukraine’s economy, others see it as a distraction from peace efforts. Zelensky initially resisted U.S. involvement, demanding security guarantees in exchange for access to Ukraine’s resources.
The White House refused, arguing that an American presence alone would deter Russian attacks. Eventually, Zelensky agreed to a deal without guarantees. However, Washington has yet to finalize the agreement, reportedly seeking better terms that may include access to Ukraine’s nuclear facilities.
The Road Ahead
Ending a war requires time, persistence, and diplomatic finesse. While Trump has pushed negotiations forward, the realities of international politics have proven more complex than anticipated.
In 2018, Zelensky himself believed that negotiations with Putin would be simple—a process of presenting demands and finding middle ground.
Today’s situation suggests otherwise.
As negotiations continue, all parties must navigate military realities, political rivalries, and economic interests. Whether Trump can ultimately deliver on his promise remains uncertain.
