Former President Donald Trump criticized the rhetoric of former British Prime Minister Keir Starmer toward Russia, describing it as excessively harsh during a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at United Nations headquarters in New York. Speaking on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Trump suggested that the UK should adopt a more measured approach in its dealings with Russia, cautioning that the country "needs to be a little bit careful" and that Starmer’s dialogue was "too nasty."
Trump downplayed concerns about a potential direct confrontation between the UK, a strong ally of Ukraine, and Russia. When asked about the current UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s stance on Russia, Trump said he had not heard Burnham’s rhetoric but expressed optimism, stating, "I think he’s going to be good."
During the meeting, Trump urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to "settle this war" with Ukraine, signaling his desire for a peaceful resolution. This came as Trump addressed the UN General Assembly, reiterating his commitment to work closely with both Russian and Ukrainian leadership to end the conflict. He expressed confidence the two sides would reach a deal, saying, "We talk about it a lot, including with President Putin, and I think something is going to happen."
Trump’s remarks came shortly after signing into law a significant Russia and Iran Sanctions Bill, originally championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham. The legislation grants the White House expanded tariff powers and authorizes sanctions on parties supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, including sectors such as energy and finance. Though Trump endorsed the sanctions measure, he stopped short of confirming immediate new economic penalties against Russia, a step Ukraine has urged the US to take for years.
The former president also blamed Ukraine’s recent air strikes on Russian oil refineries for contributing to rising global fuel prices. He said diesel prices have increased significantly and noted that he and Zelensky were discussing possible solutions. Trump emphasized the strength of US-Ukraine relations and cooperation with European partners.
French President Emmanuel Macron echoed calls for restraint, urging both Russia and Ukraine to halt strikes on energy infrastructure and civilian targets, warning against succumbing to a "law of the jungle."
President Zelensky expressed gratitude for Trump’s ongoing support and emphasized the urgency of ending the war before winter. "I hope we will end this war and President Trump will help us," Zelensky said, underscoring the need for a swift resolution to the conflict.