Former US President Donald Trump has made a bold claim that he could end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours – but only if he wins the 2024 election. The controversial statement, made during a campaign rally, has drawn both scepticism and alarm from foreign policy experts.
Trump's Dubious Peace Plan
"I know Putin very well, and I know Zelensky very well," Trump told supporters. "I could settle it very quickly... probably in 24 hours." The Republican frontrunner offered no concrete details about his proposed negotiation strategy, beyond emphasising his personal relationships with both leaders.
Current Ukrainian officials were quick to dismiss Trump's claims. A senior adviser to President Zelensky responded: "The way to end this war is simple – Russia needs to withdraw from Ukrainian territory. No backroom deals with Putin will bring lasting peace."
History of Pro-Russia Stance
Trump's comments revive concerns about his long-standing admiration for Vladimir Putin. During his presidency, Trump repeatedly:
- Praised Putin's leadership while criticising NATO allies
- Resisted sending military aid to Ukraine
- Pushed to reinstate Russia into the G7 after its annexation of Crimea
Analysts warn that any "quick deal" brokered by Trump would likely involve significant concessions to Russia at Ukraine's expense. "This isn't diplomacy – it's appeasement," remarked one European diplomat speaking anonymously.
2024 Election Stakes
The war in Ukraine has become a key foreign policy issue in the US presidential race. While President Biden has championed military support for Kyiv, Trump and some Republican candidates advocate reduced involvement.
Recent polling shows American voters increasingly divided over continued Ukraine aid. Trump's comments appear designed to capitalise on this war fatigue, though his vague promises raise more questions than answers about America's future role in the conflict.
