Trump says UK prime minister's Russia rhetoric is overly harsh amid Kremlin warnings
Donald Trump criticized the UK prime minister's tough language on Russia, calling it too harsh while the Kremlin warned of heightened hybrid threats.
At a UN gathering, Donald Trump told Volodymyr Zelensky that the British prime minister’s stance toward Russia was overly aggressive, urging more caution. He added that European alerts about Putin’s threat were “too nasty.” The remarks coincided with French President Emmanuel Macron ordering protections for critical infrastructure against potential Russian drone and cyber attacks.
In London, the prime minister hosted Zelensky and pledged to provide blueprints for long-range Scalp missiles, prompting Russian threats of retaliation. Earlier this month, a drone strike on a German freight hub was blamed on Moscow, though the Kremlin denied involvement. The incident has heightened concerns across Europe about a broader Russian hybrid campaign targeting Ukraine supporters. British officials responded by summoning a senior Russian diplomat to protest the alleged attack.
Why it matters
Trump’s comments reflect shifting US rhetoric on Russia and could influence NATO unity amid rising hybrid threats.
How this story developed
- Sep 3 UK Prime Minister Burnham pushes Brexit reset to safeguard farming and steel
- Sep 19 Trump announced a deal giving the United States permanent control over Greenland’s security, but analysts say it largely repeats the existing 1951 U.S.-Denmark agreement.
- Sep 20 The trilateral security accord is set to be signed next week.
- Sep 20 Labour chair Bridget Phillipson said Andy Burnham’s earlier remarks about Donald Trump are merely politics and should not stop a strong UK-US relationship as the two leaders prepare to meet at the UN General Assembly.
- Sep 20 President Donald Trump will sit down with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Monday at the mayor’s residence to discuss city issues.
- Sep 21 UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham praised the agreement and said he will convey congratulations to President Trump and Prime Minister Frederiksen ahead of the UN signing.
- Sep 21 A signing ceremony is set for Tuesday during the UN General Assembly high‑level week.
- Sep 21 Trump’s New York trip now includes a scheduled meeting with Mayor Mamdani at Gracie Mansion during his UNGA visit.
- Sep 21 The agenda now explicitly includes defence drones and AI cooperation alongside broader geopolitical issues.
- Sep 22 U.S. announced intent to establish two additional military sites in southern and eastern Greenland.
- Sep 22 Burnham announced that UK aircraft will provide air‑to‑air refuelling for Saudi fighters in Yemen and said the UK remains committed to seeking a resolution to the Chagos Islands dispute.
- Sep 22 Burnham raised the prospect of an EU re‑entry pledge while unions formally called for abandoning Labour’s Brexit red lines.
- Sep 22 The defence pact was signed at the United Nations General Assembly.
- Sep 23 Trump praised Mayor Mamdani at Gracie Mansion, prompting GOP concerns over anti‑communist messaging.
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