Donald Trump sparked outrage by questioning NATO allies’ support in Afghanistan, prompting responses from Prince Harry and UK leaders.
Trump Doubts NATO Allies’ Support
US President Donald Trump stated in an interview with Fox News that he is uncertain whether NATO members would help Americans if they “ever needed” them. “We never needed them. They’ll say they sent troops to Afghanistan… and they did, but they stayed a bit back, a bit behind the front line,” Trump added.
Prince Harry: ‘I Lost Friends There’
In a statement cited by BBC, Prince Harry, son of King Charles III, said: “In 2001, NATO for the first time – and only – in its history invoked Article 5. This meant every ally was obligated to support the United States in Afghanistan, seeking common security. Allies answered that call. I served there. I made friends for life there. And I lost friends there. Britain alone lost 457 soldiers.”
“Thousands of lives have been changed forever. Mothers and fathers buried sons and daughters. Children were left without parents. The costs are borne by families. We should speak honestly and respectfully about these heroes, as we remain united and loyal in defense of diplomacy and peace,” the Duke of Sussex concluded.
UK Prime Minister: Comments Are Offensive
Earlier, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer paid tribute to the 457 British soldiers who died in Afghanistan, as well as those who were injured. “I will never forget their courage, bravery, and sacrifice for their country. I consider President Trump’s comments offensive and frankly disgusting. It’s no surprise they caused such great pain to the loved ones of those who died or were injured, across the country,” he noted.
Polish Leaders React
“On December 22, 2011, in Ghazni, Afghanistan, I participated as Polish Prime Minister in the farewell to five fallen Polish soldiers. The American officers with me at the time said America would never forget Polish heroes. Perhaps they should remind President Trump of that,” conveyed Donald Tusk on platform X.
“I know Afghanistan from my youth. I was there also as Minister of National Defense and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Ghazni province, where our contingent served, in southern Pushtun, was front-line, 7/10 on the Afghan scale of difficulty and danger. No one has the right to scoff at the service of our soldiers,” commented Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski.
Polish Military Deaths in Afghanistan
As recalled by the Polish military on its website, “Poland’s engagement in actions in Afghanistan dates back to 2002, when after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, carried out by Al-Qaeda directed from Afghanistan, Polish authorities decided to join the US-led international coalition against global terrorism.” Polish soldiers initially dealt with demining, securing logistical convoys, and later ensuring stability in Afghanistan.
“During the mission in Afghanistan, 43 Polish soldiers and one military civilian employee died or died,” states the Polish military.
