Donald Trump has described British soldiers who fought in Afghanistan as “among the greatest of all warriors”, days after sparking anger by claiming Nato allies had stayed away from the frontlines during the conflict. The US president made the remarks in a social media post on Saturday, paying tribute to the 457 UK personnel who died and many others who were injured.
“The great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America,” Trump wrote. “The UK military, with tremendous heart and soul, is second to none (except for the USA). We love you all, and always will!”
The post came after Keir Starmer raised the issue directly with Trump during a phone call on Saturday. A Downing Street spokesperson said 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.”
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also criticised Trump’s earlier comments, stating that “statements that downplay the contribution of Nato countries in Afghanistan are unacceptable, especially when they come from an allied Nation.” She noted that 53 Italian soldiers were killed and more than 700 wounded during the campaign, adding that “friendship requires respect.”
The controversy began when Trump claimed that non-US Nato troops “stayed a little off the frontlines” in Afghanistan, a remark that drew rebukes from both Starmer and Meloni. The Downing Street call also covered the need for a sustainable ceasefire in Ukraine and bolstered Arctic security.
