Trump: I can end the Russia-Ukraine war in 24 hours

 

As the conflict in Ukraine rages on, U.S. President Donald Trump has made remarks that raise questions about his stance on Russia and its leader, Vladimir Putin. Trump, who has previously claimed to have good relations with Putin, now appears to be taking a more critical stance, warning that Russia is in serious trouble if it does not seek a peace deal.

Kremlin Media Reacts to Trump’s Statements

Shortly after his inauguration, Trump found himself the subject of mockery on Kremlin-controlled television. Russian state media ridiculed his promise to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours, calling it an example of his characteristic hyperbole. Despite the skepticism, Trump insists he remains committed to fulfilling that promise and has hinted at an upcoming meeting with Putin.

This marks a shift in tone from the Russian media’s earlier stance. Back in December, when Trump criticized the Biden administration for allowing Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles to strike Russian territory, Kremlin news outlets treated his comments as a major development. However, in light of Trump’s latest remarks, the tone has notably changed.

Trump’s Surprising Criticism of Putin

Shortly after assuming office, Trump made unexpectedly sharp criticisms of Putin. He suggested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is willing to negotiate for peace, but he questioned whether Putin shares the same intention.

“I don’t know if Putin does. He might not. He should make a deal. I think he’s destroying Russia by not making a deal,” Trump said.

He warned that Russia is heading toward serious economic trouble due to its prolonged aggression in Ukraine. However, Putin remains defiant, strengthening ties with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who, despite reaching out to Trump before his inauguration, reaffirmed China’s commitment to its strategic alliance with Russia during a virtual summit.

China and Russia Strengthen Ties Amid Conflict

In the summit, Putin emphasized that Russia’s partnership with China is independent of political fluctuations in the West. Xi Jinping echoed this sentiment, stating that their countries would elevate their relations to a new level to counter global uncertainties.

Meanwhile, Ukraine faces mounting challenges as it continues to lose ground on the battlefield. Speaking at the Davos Economic Forum, President Zelensky expressed concerns about whether Western allies would secure what Ukraine considers a just peace. He warned that weak guarantees would only lead to another resurgence of war from Russia.

The Reality on the Ground in Ukraine

Despite Trump’s insistence that he would end the war on his first day in office, no peace deal has materialized, and the fighting continues. His criticism of Putin’s unwillingness to negotiate has been noted worldwide, but the situation remains dire for Ukraine.

On the ground in Kyiv, Trump’s remarks have been met with cautious optimism. “He should make a deal. I think he’s destroying Russia by not making a deal,” Trump reiterated, pointing to Russia’s struggling economy and inflation.

Trump also urged European nations to nearly double their defense spending and emphasized that he would meet with Putin soon. His comments were welcomed by some in Kyiv, but for many Ukrainians, talk of peace remains distant from their daily reality of air raid sirens and widespread destruction.

Voices from Ukraine: Desperation and Hope

For people in Ukraine, peace is not just a political discussion—it is a matter of survival. Nazar, a Ukrainian recruit, expressed skepticism about Trump’s ability to single-handedly resolve the war. “This is such a war that it will not be ended by the actions of one person,” he said.

Yulia, a grieving mother visiting a memorial for her son who died in combat two years ago, expressed hope that the U.S. and its allies would provide more military aid. “Maybe we’ll be given more planes and weapons to win faster,” she said.

Meanwhile, Zelensky subtly chastised European leaders at Davos, reminding them that battles involving North Korean soldiers in Ukraine are now geographically closer to Switzerland than to Pyongyang. He also pointed out that some European governments wield less influence than social media algorithms, highlighting the shifting geopolitical landscape.

The Uncertain Path Forward

There is a sense of hope in Ukraine that Trump’s remarks might pressure the Kremlin into reconsidering its approach. However, Ukrainians also recognize that their situation on the battlefield is deteriorating, albeit incrementally.

Trump’s first major comments on the war since taking office have placed significant rhetorical pressure on Moscow, signaling a possible shift in U.S.-Russia relations. Whether this pressure will lead to concrete action remains to be seen, but as the war grinds on, the urgency for a diplomatic breakthrough grows ever stronger.