US President Donald Trump has criticized former British prime minister Keir Starmer over his approach to Russia, saying that Starmer’s rhetoric toward Moscow had been too tough and that he should have been more careful.

Trump made the comments while speaking to reporters during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he was meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. His remarks came at a time when European governments and intelligence officials have been raising concerns about potential Russian threats and hybrid operations.

Trump was asked about concerns over a possible future confrontation between Britain and Russia. He said he believed the UK would be fine, but argued that Starmer’s previous language toward Russia had gone too far. Trump also characterized recent European discussions about the Russian threat as excessively hostile.

The comments come as European countries have increased their attention to the possibility of Russian sabotage, cyberattacks and other forms of hybrid activity.

French President Emmanuel Macron recently said his government was preparing measures to protect critical infrastructure, including sensitive defence-related facilities, from possible drone and cyber threats.

European intelligence officials have also publicly discussed concerns about possible Russian attempts to test NATO countries. A recent report involving intelligence officials from several European countries described concerns about potential provocations, although officials differed over how imminent such a threat might be.

Germany and other European governments have also attributed recent incidents involving drones and critical infrastructure to what they describe as Russian hybrid activity. The Kremlin has denied involvement in such allegations.

One recent incident involved Leipzig Airport in Germany. European governments blamed Russia for an attempted drone attack, while Moscow denied responsibility. The UK subsequently summoned a senior Russian diplomat to protest what it described as a serious and reckless attack.

The situation has also exposed differences in how governments describe the current level of danger from Moscow. Trump has taken a more cautious position about the possibility of Russia directly attacking NATO territory, saying earlier this month that Russian President Vladimir Putin was not seeking to attack NATO territory. European officials have expressed greater concern about potential Russian actions against infrastructure and other targets.

Trump’s comments about Starmer also come after a change in Britain’s leadership. Andy Burnham is now UK prime minister and met Trump in person at the United Nations this week. Trump described his relationship with Burnham as better than his relationship with Starmer and praised the new British leader during their meeting.

Burnham has maintained Britain’s support for Ukraine while also warning against unnecessary escalation. His government has continued to cooperate with Ukraine as the war with Russia enters another year.

At the United Nations, Trump said he believed both Russia and Ukraine wanted the conflict to end and expressed confidence that an agreement could eventually be reached. He also said the United States was discussing the possibility of allowing Ukraine to produce Patriot interceptor missiles to strengthen its air-defence capabilities.

The comments about Starmer therefore come amid a broader disagreement among Western governments over how to respond to Russia. While European officials continue to warn about sabotage, cyberattacks and other forms of hybrid activity, Trump has emphasized negotiations and repeatedly expressed the view that the war between Russia and Ukraine should be brought to an end.

For now, there is no confirmed announcement that Britain is preparing for a direct war with Russia. The current warnings largely concern potential hybrid attacks, sabotage, cyber activity and possible provocations, while European intelligence agencies differ over the likelihood and timing of a direct military confrontation.

The situation remains closely monitored as world leaders gather in New York and governments assess both the continuing war in Ukraine and the wider security risks facing Europe.