Donald Trump has praised UK soldiers who fought in Afghanistan as “among the greatest of all warriors” following criticism of his recent claims that NATO troops did not fully participate on the frontlines during the conflict.
Trump Praises UK Soldiers Amid Criticism
In a social media post on Saturday, Trump stated, “The great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America.” He added that 457 UK soldiers died in Afghanistan, with many more injured, and described them as “among the greatest of all warriors.”
“It’s a bond too strong to 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 wrote.
The post followed criticism of Trump’s remarks that NATO allied troops “stayed a little off the frontlines” in Afghanistan. The comments were raised directly with the US president by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a conversation on Saturday, according to a Downing Street spokesperson.
The spokesperson said the prime minister highlighted the bravery and sacrifice of British and American soldiers who fought together in Afghanistan, many of whom did not return home. They also discussed the need for continued support for Ukraine as it approaches the fourth year of war since Russia’s full-scale invasion, and the importance of bolstering security in the Arctic.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also criticized Trump’s comments, defending the memory of Italian soldiers killed and wounded in Afghanistan. Meloni posted on X that Italy “paid a cost that is beyond dispute: 53 Italian soldiers killed and more than 700 wounded.” She stated that statements downplaying the contribution of NATO countries in Afghanistan are unacceptable.
Meloni noted that the US invoked Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty after the September 11, 2001 attacks, launching the Afghanistan campaign. Article 5 requires member states to defend any ally under attack.
Italy’s foreign minister also paid tribute to Italy’s dead and wounded in Afghanistan in a separate online post.
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