US President Donald Trump's statements regarding NATO's mission in Afghanistan have drawn sharp criticism from allies.
Modern.az reports that in an interview with “Fox News”, Trump stated that NATO soldiers “stayed on the sidelines” and avoided the front line, which was perceived as downplaying the contributions of allied contingents.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen openly condemned these comments, emphasizing that it is unacceptable to question the sacrifices of troops who put their lives at risk under the command of politicians and fought shoulder-to-shoulder with American soldiers. During the 20-year mission in Afghanistan, 44 Danish soldiers died, and Norway lost 10 soldiers.
“We sent thousands of Danish soldiers – brave and resilient young Danes – directly to the front line in Afghanistan, especially to Helmand province, where the fiercest battles took place,” noted Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen.
Criticism was also voiced in the United Kingdom. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Trump's statements insulting and urged him to apologize. Norway's Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik also stated that the fallen, veterans, and their families deserve respect, emphasizing the significant contribution of NATO soldiers to the Afghanistan operation.
