trump Praises UK Soldiers After Criticizing NATO Allies’ Role in Afghanistan
Donald Trump lauded UK soldiers fighting in Afghanistan as “among the greatest of all warriors” on Saturday, following criticism of his recent claims that NATO troops largely remained away from the front lines during the conflict. the remarks came after a conversation with British Prime minister Keir Starmer, and similar rebukes from other allied nations.
In a social media post,Trump stated,”The great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America. In Afghanistan,457 died,many were badly injured,and they were among the greatest of all warriors.” He added, “It’s a bond too strong too ever be broken. The UK military, with tremendous heart and soul, is second to none (except for the USA). We love you all, and always will!”
Trump’s initial comments, made during a Fox News interview, suggested that NATO allies “stayed a little off the frontlines” in Afghanistan. Starmer directly addressed these remarks with Trump during their Saturday conversation, according to a Downing Street spokesperson.
“The prime minister raised the brave and heroic British and American soldiers who fought side by side in Afghanistan, many of whom never returned home. We must never forget their sacrifice,” the spokesperson said.
The leaders also discussed Ukraine, agreeing on the need for progress toward a ceasefire and continued support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia.They also addressed bolstering security in the arctic and reaffirmed the importance of the UK-US relationship.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also criticized Trump’s statements, defending the sacrifices of italian soldiers in Afghanistan.”The italian government was astonished to hear President Trump’s statement claiming that NATO allies ‘fell behind’ during operations in Afghanistan,” Meloni posted on X. She highlighted the loss of 53 Italian soldiers and over 700 wounded during the nearly 20-year operation.
Meloni emphasized that Trump’s comments were “unacceptable, especially when they come from an allied Nation,” and reminded the US of the NATO Article 5 commitment invoked after the september 11th attacks. she affirmed the strong ties between Italy and the US, stating, “But friendship requires respect, a fundamental condition for continuing to ensure the solidarity at the core of the Atlantic Alliance.”
Italy’s Foreign Minister also honored Italian soldiers killed and wounded in Afghanistan on Saturday.
AFP contributed to this report
