UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has sharply criticized former US President Donald Trump's recent comments about NATO allies' roles in Afghanistan, calling them "insulting and appalling." The remarks, made during a televised interview, sparked widespread condemnation from European leaders and veterans who served in the conflict.
Diplomatic Tensions Escalate
Starmer, addressing reporters on Friday, emphasized the sacrifices of British troops, stating, "I would certainly apologize if I had misspoken in that way." His rebuke follows Trump's claim that European forces stayed "off the frontlines" during the war. The White House defended the former president, with spokeswoman Taylor Rogers asserting the US "has done more for NATO than any other country."
Veterans and Leaders React
Britain lost 457 service personnel in Afghanistan, its deadliest overseas deployment in decades. Prince Harry, who served two tours there, declared, "Those sacrifices deserve to be spoken about truthfully." Retired Polish General Roman Polko, a veteran of both Afghanistan and Iraq, accused Trump of crossing a "red line," adding, "We paid with blood for this alliance."
European Solidarity
Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen joined the criticism, with Frederiksen calling Trump's comments "unacceptable." The dispute further strains transatlantic relations amid ongoing debates about NATO's future and burden-sharing.
