Donald Trump criticised Keir Starmer’s language towards Vladimir Putin, describing it as “too tough” and “too nasty”, and urged the UK government to be more cautious in its approach to Russia. He made the comments during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in New York, while also telling Putin to end the war and expressing confidence that Russia and Ukraine could reach an agreement.

Trump did not confirm whether he would impose sanctions authorised under a newly signed Russia and Iran Sanctions Bill, despite Ukraine’s calls for stronger US action. The law permits tariffs on countries buying Russian energy and sanctions on supporters of Russia’s invasion; Trump also blamed Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil facilities for contributing to higher global fuel prices. Zelensky appealed for a swift end to the conflict before winter, while French President Emmanuel Macron urged both sides to stop attacking energy and civilian targets.