US President Donald Trump says he was being a “little bit sarcastic” when he repeatedly boasted in his 2024 presidential campaign that he could end the war in Ukraine in a mere 24-hours, and even before taking office.

Trump was questioned on his campaign promise during an interview with a US media outlet, as his administration scrambles to broker a solution almost two months into his second term.

“Well, I was being a little bit sarcastic when I said that,” Trump said in a clip released ahead of the episode airing Sunday. “What I really mean is I’d like to get it settled and, I’ll, I think, I think I’ll be successful.”

The statement was a rare admission from Trump, who has a record of making exaggerated claims.

Trump said at a CNN town hall in May 2023, “They’re dying, Russians and Ukrainians. I want them to stop dying. And I’ll have that done — I’ll have that done in 24 hours.”

“That is a war that’s dying to be settled. I will get it settled before I even become president,” Trump said during his September debate with then-Vice President Kamala Harris. “If I win, when I’m president-elect, and what I’ll do is I’ll speak to one, I’ll speak to the other. I’ll get them together.”

Trump says he’s getting “good vibes” from Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, as he hailed his Russian counterpart for “really wanting” peace. The 47th US president also noted that he believes an agreement could be imminent.

Trump’s Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff was in Moscow this week for talks on a US-proposed temporary ceasefire, which Ukraine has accepted.

In the interview, Trump was also asked what the plan would be if Putin does not agree to a ceasefire to the war he started three years ago.

“Bad news for this world because so many people are dying,” Trump said.

But I think, I think he’s going to agree. I really do. I think I know him pretty well and I think he’s going to agree.”