US President Donald Trump said that the UK Prime Minister supported his criticism of NATO and EU countries for continuing to buy energy from Russia despite the wider Western stance on sanctions, and called it a key obstacle to peace in Ukraine.

Speaking to reporters on Air Force One while returning to Washington after his state visit to the UK, Trump said, “The UK Prime Minister was embarrassed about me calling out NATO and EU countries over buying oil from Russia. And he said that’s not good. He appreciated that I said it, but he said that’s not good. How about that?”

Trump also claimed that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer was ready to act on the issue. “He also agrees to stop buying oil from Russia, and he’s willing to impose sanctions, too. And he’s not one of the culprits in terms of Russian oil,” Trump added.

His remarks highlight the ongoing tensions around Europe’s dependence on Russian energy, which has been a point of disagreement between Washington and several NATO allies. While Trump suggested there was a private understanding with the UK, Downing Street has not issued any confirmation of new commitments.

He repeated his belief that stopping Russian oil exports was vital to ending the war in Ukraine. “Ultimately, if oil prices go down, or if Russia is not selling oil, they have no choice but to settle. When EU or Nato nations are buying oil from Russia, that’s not the greatest thing,” he said.

Trump also acknowledged that the conflict in Ukraine turned out to be more complicated than he initially expected. He admitted he felt “let down” by Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite once thinking their personal relationship could help secure a peace deal.

Trump has consistently criticised NATO and EU countries for what he sees as a contradiction, relying on US defence support while continuing economic ties with Russia through energy trade.