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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump over comments suggesting European troops stayed away from the front lines during the war in Afghanistan, calling the remarks “insulting and appalling.” Starmer said the comments were deeply hurtful to the families of service members who were killed or wounded and stressed that such sacrifices must be treated with respect. He added that if he had spoken in such a way, he would have felt compelled to apologize.
The criticism follows Trump’s interview on Fox Business Network’s “Mornings with Maria,” where he claimed the United States had “never needed” the transatlantic alliance and accused allies of remaining “a little off the front lines” in Afghanistan. The remarks have further strained relations with European partners, already under pressure after Trump reiterated interest in acquiring Greenland during the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Britain lost 457 service personnel in Afghanistan, making it the country’s deadliest overseas conflict since the 1950s. British forces led the NATO mission in Helmand province during some of the war’s most intense years and also served as the United States’ primary battlefield ally in Iraq. Starmer’s strong response is notable given his usual caution in publicly criticizing Trump.
European leaders and veterans echoed the condemnation. Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel described Trump’s comments as untrue and disrespectful. Britain’s Prince Harry, who served in Afghanistan, said the sacrifices made by allied troops deserve to be spoken about truthfully. Polish officials and veterans emphasized that their country “paid in blood” for the NATO alliance and demanded an apology.
Britain’s veterans minister Alistair Carns called the claims “utterly ridiculous,” highlighting the shared losses suffered alongside American troops. Former MI6 chief Richard Moore also defended the close U.S.-UK intelligence and military partnership. NATO’s Article 5, invoked only once after the September 11 attacks, underpinned much of the Afghanistan mission, which was largely under NATO command.
Trump’s remarks have reignited debate over allied sacrifice, with officials across Europe stressing that the contributions of British, Polish, Canadian, Danish, French, and other forces in Afghanistan must not be diminished.
