UK's Starmer Demands Apology from Trump Over 'Insulting' Comments on European Role in Afghanistan War

London. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated that US President Donald Trump must apologize for his remarks. Starmer expressed outrage, calling Trump's assertion that European forces were not at the forefront of the Afghanistan war insulting.

Direct criticism of the US President in this manner is considered a rare occurrence. Starmer described Trump's statement as 'insulting and appalling'. Trump had commented in an interview with Fox News that NATO allies stayed somewhat distant from the front lines of the war.

Responding to a question on this subject on Friday, Starmer stated, 'If I had spoken incorrectly or used such words, I would certainly apologize.'

A total of 457 British soldiers were killed in the US-led invasion of Afghanistan following the September 11 attacks in 2001. Prime Minister Starmer also paid tribute to the fallen soldiers.

Meanwhile, the White House flatly rejected the British leader's criticism. White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers issued a statement asserting that President Trump was completely correct. She claimed that the US has contributed more than all other countries combined towards NATO.

Trump's statement comes at a time when he had withdrawn threats to impose tariffs on European countries that opposed the US demand to acquire Greenland, Denmark's semi-autonomous territory. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump expressed doubt that NATO would come to the aid of the US when needed, stating that the US never needed NATO.

More than 150,000 British soldiers were deployed in the Afghanistan war, which was the second-largest contribution to the US-led coalition against Al-Qaeda and the Taliban.

In this war, more than 150 Canadian, 90 French, and 44 Danish soldiers were killed, while the US lost over 2,400 soldiers. According to Brown University statistics, more than 46,000 Afghan civilians died in this war.

Trump's remarks have caused outrage across Europe. British Prince Harry also reacted to this, stating that the sacrifices of British soldiers must be viewed with truth and honor. Harry, who served twice in Afghanistan, recalled the pain of parents who lost their children, adding that thousands of lives were changed forever.

The Dutch Foreign Minister, David van, and the Polish Defense Minister also refuted Trump's statement, calling it untrue and disrespectful.