UK, US Leaders Hold Talks After Trump’s NATO Comments on Afghanistan Draw Backlash

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump on Saturday following controversial remarks by Trump about NATO’s role in the war in Afghanistan, which sparked outrage in the UK.

According to a statement from the UK Prime Minister’s Office, Starmer emphasised the sacrifices of British and American troops who “fought side by side in Afghanistan,” underscoring the long-standing military partnership between the two countries.

The call came after Trump said on Thursday that NATO forces remained “a little off the front lines” during the Afghanistan conflict. The comment drew strong criticism in the UK, with Starmer describing it as “insulting and frankly appalling.”

In an apparent effort to ease tensions, Trump later praised British troops, calling them “very brave” in a post on his Truth Social platform. “The great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America,” he wrote.

During their discussion, the two leaders also addressed the situation in Ukraine, agreeing on the need to make progress toward a sustainable ceasefire. Starmer reiterated that, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, international partners must continue supporting Ukraine in its defence against what he described as Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “barbaric attacks.”

Security in the Arctic was another key topic, with both leaders stressing the need to strengthen regional security. Starmer noted that Arctic security remains an “absolute priority” for his government.

The statement concluded that both leaders reaffirmed the importance of the UK–US relationship, describing it as one that “continues to stand the test of time.”