Despite bold campaign promises to end the Ukraine war "within 24 hours" of taking office, President Donald Trump’s claim has not materialized a year into his second term. His repeated assertions during the campaign, made over 53 times according to a CNN fact-check, were never framed humorously but were explicit commitments to swiftly resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

However, the reality starkly contrasts with his campaign rhetoric. The war not only persisted through his first day but continues unabated a year later. Trump's approach has shifted to placing blame on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the ongoing conflict, a stance widely criticized as misinformed. Zelenskyy, lacking the unilateral power to end the war on terms that would essentially cede territory and autonomy to Russia, faces a complex battle that cannot be resolved by simple concessions.

The dynamics of the Ukrainian military, known for its segmented command structure, further complicate any potential quick fixes. Proposals for a rapid end to the conflict ignore the likelihood of continued resistance from regional Ukrainian forces, even if Zelenskyy were to capitulate.

Analysts outline only a few scenarios where the war might conclude. These include a shift in Russian leadership, a decisive Ukrainian military victory, or a complete Russian takeover — the latter being improbable within the next year due to the resilience of Ukrainian forces and the strategic support from European allies.

Trump’s failure to end the war as promised highlights a significant disparity between his campaign assertions and his presidential actions. The ongoing conflict continues to defy his simplistic solutions, underscoring the complex nature of international military engagements. As the situation stands, Trump’s promise remains unfulfilled, and the war in Ukraine is unlikely to see a resolution in the near future based on current U.S. strategies under his administration.