Former President Donald Trump criticized the United Kingdom's stance on Russia, describing the rhetoric of Keir Starmer as "too tough" and "too nasty" toward Vladimir Putin. Trump made these remarks during a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
"I think you'll be OK. But I'll say the rhetoric from your last prime minister was too tough. I've seen that dialogue and it's too nasty," Trump stated, suggesting the UK government "needs to be a little bit careful" in its approach to Russia. He also expressed optimism about the current Prime Minister Andy Burnham's approach.
Trump, who has previously urged Putin to "settle this war" with Ukraine, met Zelensky in New York on September 22. This meeting followed Trump's signing of the Russia and Iran Sanctions Bill into law the previous week. The Act empowers the White House to impose tariffs on goods from countries that purchase Russian energy products and authorizes sanctions against entities supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Despite signing the sanctions legislation, Trump reiterated his belief that a deal to end the conflict is achievable. "We're working very closely with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine and we will get that one done," he said. He described ongoing discussions with both Zelensky and Putin, expressing confidence that "something is going to happen."
During his address at the United Nations General Assembly, Trump referenced a new law, signed in honor of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, which grants him "enormous new tariff authorities" that he would use if necessary, stating, "It's time to stop the killing."
Trump also commented on Ukraine's air strikes on Russian oil refineries, suggesting they are contributing to rising global fuel prices. "The diesel oil, the diesel fuel, has gone up quite a bit. We'll be talking about that. The President [Zelensky] and I are trying to figure out a solution," he said.
Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Trump for his support, expressing hope that a resolution to the war could be reached quickly, ideally before winter. French President Emmanuel Macron also called for an immediate halt to strikes on energy and civilian targets by Russia and Ukraine.