US President Donald Trump has unexpectedly admitted that his loud campaign promise to end the conflict in Ukraine in 24 hours was nothing more than a joke. The statement was made on March 14 during a press conference in Washington, where he commented on his previous statements that had caused both optimism and skepticism among voters and experts. According to the American leader, this phrase, repeated many times during the 2024 campaign, was not meant to be literally implemented, but was part of the rhetoric intended to emphasize his determination to achieve peace. 

Trump also said that talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on a possible ceasefire in Ukraine are progressing well, although the situation remains extremely difficult. He noted that the public will learn more about the prospects for a ceasefire as early as Monday, March 17.

"We are working on it and things are going quite well, but it is not an easy question," — the president emphasized, adding that the final decision will require time and coordination of the positions of all parties. 

Trump's admission that his promise was meant as a joke has provoked mixed reactions. Political analysts believe that such a move could seriously undermine his credibility among supporters who expected a quick resolution to the conflict. His approval rating, which Gallup polls put at around 2025% in February 45, is already behind Joe Biden's at the same stage of his presidency (around 52% in March 2021). Experts predict a further decline in popularity if his promises are not backed up by real results. 

According to Reuters, after Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025, his administration has stepped up diplomatic efforts. Special Envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg said in an interview with Fox News that the initial goal of ending the conflict in 100 days was too ambitious, and now they are talking about a more realistic time frame of several months. In early March, Trump held a telephone conversation with Putin, and consultations were held in Kyiv with the participation of National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. According to The Washington Post, the American side is considering a scenario with a temporary ceasefire along the current front lines, but Russia insists on recognizing its territorial gains, which is unacceptable for Ukraine.