Donald Trump has said UK soldiers who fought in Afghanistan were “among the greatest of all warriors” after previously drawing criticism for his claims that Nato troops stayed away from the frontlines during the conflict.
In a post on social media on Saturday, the US president said: “The great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America.
“In Afghanistan, 457 died, many were badly injured, and they were 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!”
The post came a day after Trump was criticised for his remarks that Nato allied troops “stayed a little off the frontlines” in Afghanistan.
Keir Starmer raised the comments directly with the US president in a conversation on Saturday, No 10 said.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The prime minister spoke to the president of the United States, Donald Trump, this afternoon.
“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, he said.
“As Ukraine approaches the fourth year of war since Russia’s full-scale invasion, the leaders agreed on the need to see progress towards a sustainable ceasefire.
“Whilst diplomatic efforts continue, the prime minister reiterated that international partners must continue to support Ukraine in its defence against [Vladimir] Putin’s barbaric attacks.
“The leaders also discussed the need for bolstered security in the Arctic, and the prime minister said it was an absolute priority for his government.
“The leaders discussed the importance of the UK-US relationship, which continues to stand the test of time. They agreed to speak soon.”
Also on Saturday, Italy’s prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, joined criticism of Trump’s comments on the role of non-US Nato troops in Afghanistan, defending the memory of Italian soldiers killed and wounded there.
“The Italian government was astonished to hear President Trump’s statement claiming that Nato allies ‘fell behind’ during operations in Afghanistan,” Meloni posted on X.
During the nearly 20 years of Nato operations in Afghanistan, she said, “our nation paid a cost that is beyond dispute: 53 Italian soldiers killed and more than 700 wounded”.
“For this reason, statements that downplay the contribution of Nato countries in Afghanistan are unacceptable, especially when they come from an allied Nation,” she added.
Meloni noted that the US had invoked article 5 of the North Atlantic treaty after the 11 September 2001 attacks on the country that killed 3,000 people, in effect launching the Afghanistan campaign.
Article 5 requires Nato member states to defend any of their number who come under attack.
Meloni acknowledged the strong ties between Italy and the US.
“But friendship requires respect, a fundamental condition for continuing to ensure the solidarity at the core of the Atlantic Alliance,” she added.
Earlier on Saturday, Italy’s foreign minister also paid tribute to Italy’s dead and wounded in Afghanistan in an online post.
AFP contributed to this report