U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday praised “brave” British soldiers and hailed their sacrifice in Afghanistan, a day after his remarks suggesting NATO forces stayed away from the front lines sparked anger in Britain and across Europe.

“The GREAT and very BRAVE soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “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 statement followed widespread criticism of comments Trump made on Thursday during an interview with Fox Business Network, in which he claimed European troops had stayed “a little back” from the front lines during the Afghanistan war.

Speaking on Friday, Starmer said the comments had caused genuine distress and should be followed by an apology. He paid tribute to the 457 members of the British Armed Forces who lost their lives in Afghanistan. “I will never forget their courage, their bravery, and the sacrifice that they made for their country,” he said.

The prime minister also acknowledged those who survived but suffered serious injuries. “There are many, also, who are injured, some with life-changing injuries,” he said.

Starmer said Trump’s remarks had caused deep hurt. “And I’m not surprised they’ve caused such hurt,” he added, pointing to the impact on families and the wider public.

Addressing Diane Dernie, the mother of a former soldier injured in Afghanistan, Starmer said: “If I had misspoken in that way or said those words, I would certainly apologise, and I’d apologise to her.”

While emphasising the close UK–U.S. relationship, Starmer said alliance ties did not require silence when comments were wrong. “We have a very close relationship with the U.S., and that is important for our security, our defence, and our intelligence,” he said.

“But it is because of that relationship that we fought alongside the Americans for our values in Afghanistan. And it was in that context that people lost their lives or suffered terrible injuries. Fighting for freedom, fighting with our allies for what we believe in,” he added.

Trump’s remarks come amid renewed debate over NATO burden-sharing, after the alliance agreed a 5% of GDP defence spending pledge, which Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska said showed "renewed unity and focus on collective security".

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The prime minister’s office confirmed that Starmer spoke with Trump on Saturday and raised the issue directly, stressing the shared sacrifice of British and American troops who fought side by side.

Veterans across Britain and Europe condemned Trump’s initial remarks. The Royal British Legion said the service and sacrifice of British troops in Afghanistan “cannot be called into question.”

Among those criticising the comments was Prince Harry, who served two tours in Afghanistan. In a statement, he said the sacrifices made by those who served deserved to be spoken about “truthfully and with respect,” noting that he had formed lifelong friendships and lost comrades during the conflict.

The Sun on Sunday reported that concerns held by King Charles III over Trump’s initial remarks had been relayed to the U.S. president. Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the report.

In Washington, the White House declined to directly address Trump’s remarks, instead highlighting U.S. defence spending and urging NATO allies to increase their military budgets.

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