Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has downplayed US Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump’s promise to swiftly resolve the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, calling it typical election rhetoric. Trump, during his campaign and previous interviews, has claimed that he could broker peace “within 24 hours” if he were to return to the White House. However, Zelensky remains skeptical about such promises, dismissing them as unrealistic given the complexities of the war and the broader geopolitical landscape.

Throughout his 2024 campaign, Donald Trump has repeatedly emphasized his intention to secure a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia if reelected. During the recent presidential debate against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump reiterated his pledge, stating, “Just get it done. All right. Negotiate a deal.” He expressed confidence in his ability to bring about an immediate ceasefire, proposing that the conflict could be resolved in a matter of days, should he be in charge.

Trump’s claim has resonated with some of his supporters, who view him as a dealmaker capable of cutting through diplomatic red tape. However, his assertions have also faced pushback. During the debate, Harris responded sharply, accusing Trump of planning to “just give up” on Ukraine, contrasting her own track record of securing military aid for the country. She stressed the importance of continued support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, while casting doubt on Trump’s proposed strategy.

In an interview with CNN’s Fareed Zakaria GPS on September 15, Zelensky was asked about Trump’s promises of an immediate peace deal. The Ukrainian leader’s response was measured but dismissive. “My position is that election period and election messages are election messages. Sometimes they are not very real,” he explained. Zelensky suggested that such statements are more about garnering support during a campaign than reflecting a realistic path to ending the war.

Zelensky acknowledged that Trump’s remarks could potentially cause anxiety among Ukrainians. However, he shared that his own conversation with Trump had left him with a different impression of the former president’s stance. “I had a phone call with Donald Trump, and he said that he’s very supportive, and we had a good conversation,” Zelensky revealed, suggesting that Trump’s private position on Ukraine may not be as extreme as his public campaign rhetoric.

Trump’s promise of a quick peace deal comes against the backdrop of failed peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. In April 2022, the two countries were reportedly close to finalizing a peace agreement during talks in Istanbul. However, the negotiations fell apart after intervention from Ukraine’s Western backers, leaving a diplomatic resolution elusive.

Since then, Ukraine has consistently maintained that any peace deal must be based on Zelensky’s ten-point peace plan, which includes the full withdrawal of Russian forces from territories that Ukraine claims, including those occupied since 2014. Moscow, however, has rejected this proposal as detached from reality. Russia insists that its control of certain regions is non-negotiable, and that any peace talks must respect its territorial gains.

Zelensky’s peace plan and the steadfast support from Western allies have shaped Ukraine’s approach to negotiations. While Ukraine demands a return to its pre-2014 borders, Russia remains committed to holding on to annexed regions, particularly Crimea. These fundamental disagreements have made diplomatic breakthroughs exceedingly difficult.

Trump’s proposal has sparked a debate within the United States, with figures from both parties weighing in. JD Vance, Trump’s Republican vice presidential candidate, has suggested that Trump’s potential peace deal might involve creating a demilitarized zone along the current line of contact and guaranteeing Ukraine’s neutrality. These ideas align more closely with Russia’s stated goals, raising concerns about what such a deal would mean for Ukraine’s sovereignty and future security.

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has been one of the most vocal critics of Trump’s promise. Sullivan, who plays a crucial role in shaping US foreign policy, expressed skepticism about the feasibility of a quick resolution to the conflict. “Anyone who steps forward and says they could solve the Ukraine war in one day from the outside,” Sullivan remarked, “needs to be questioned as to whose side they are going to be solving it on.” His comments reflect the broader view within the Biden administration that a swift peace deal is unlikely without addressing the complex realities on the ground.

Sullivan’s skepticism also highlights the intricate web of factors driving the war, from Ukraine’s territorial demands to Russia’s long-term strategic interests. The Biden administration, along with European allies, has emphasized the need for a comprehensive peace agreement that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and addresses Russia’s expansionist ambitions.

Russia has remained largely unwilling to engage in peace negotiations while Ukrainian forces continue their operations in Russian-held territories. Recent incursions by Ukrainian forces into Russia’s Kursk Region have heightened tensions further, with Moscow accusing Kiev of committing war crimes during the August 2023 offensive.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has also tied the possibility of peace to Ukraine’s geopolitical alignment, stating that a ceasefire could be ordered if Ukraine were to abandon its NATO aspirations and territorial claims. Ukraine’s Western backers have staunchly opposed such conditions, viewing them as tantamount to capitulation.

The refusal of both sides to compromise on core issues such as NATO membership and territorial control suggests that a resolution is not imminent. As the war drags on, peace prospects remain clouded by mutual distrust and the complex geopolitical interests at play.

Donald Trump’s vow to end the Ukraine conflict quickly is emblematic of the bold promises that often characterize election campaigns. However, the reality on the ground suggests that such an outcome is far from guaranteed. As Zelensky pointed out, election rhetoric often fails to translate into concrete policy, and the intricacies of the Ukraine-Russia war make a rapid resolution unlikely.

With both sides entrenched in their positions, and the US playing a key role in shaping the conflict’s trajectory, any future peace deal will require far more than election promises. As Ukraine continues to push for the recovery of its lost territories and Russia remains determined to solidify its control, the road to peace is likely to be long and fraught with challenges.

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