Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen sharply condemned the statements of former US President Donald Trump, who suggested in an interview with Fox News that NATO allies, including Denmark, avoided direct combat lines during the war in Afghanistan. Frederiksen called these claims unacceptable and emphasized that Danish soldiers in Afghanistan have shown courage and sacrifice.
- The Danish Prime Minister criticized Trump’s words about the soldiers in Afghanistan.
- She emphasized the courage and sacrifices of Danish soldiers in the conflict.
- Danish veterans plan protest march in Copenhagen against Trump.
- Similar criticism came from British Prime Minister Starmer.
- However, the White House defends Trump’s statements and insists on their truth.
“Many Danish soldiers lost their lives or were injured. Denmark is one of the NATO countries that suffered the biggest losses per population,” the Prime Minister said on the Facebook social network. At the same time, she expressed her respect for all the soldiers who risked their lives in the conflict into which they were sent by political leaders. Frederiksen also did not forget the families of the fallen and veterans who were deeply touched by Trump’s words.
Danish veterans react
The Danish Veterans Association called Trump’s comments shocking and said he was “speechless”. According to the association, Danish soldiers have always stood by the United States and participated in missions in crisis areas when requested by the US. To protest against Trump’s statements, the veterans plan to organize a silent march in Copenhagen on January 31.
Denmark, which became involved in military operations in Afghanistan after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, sent approximately 12,000 soldiers and civilians to that country. This is the only time in NATO history that Article Five of the Washington Treaty on Collective Defense has been activated. Danish soldiers were often in dangerous areas and faced high losses.
Criticism also from Britain
Trump’s statements also drew criticism from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who called them offensive. Starmer also paid tribute to British soldiers who died or were injured during the fighting in Afghanistan. “These words are disrespectful to all those who sacrificed their lives in the name of security and peace,” Starmer said.
However, the White House rejected criticism from both the British Prime Minister and the Danish government. White House Assistant Press Secretary Taylor Rogers said in a statement that Trump’s words were true. “The United States of America has done more for NATO than the other countries of the Alliance combined,” Rogers emphasized.
NATO to Afghanistan
The United States and its allies entered Afghanistan in response to the attacks of September 11, 2001, with the goal of eliminating the threat of the al-Qaeda terrorist organization and overthrowing the Taliban regime. The war in Afghanistan has become the longest conflict in NATO history, involving thousands of soldiers from various member states of the Alliance. Therefore, Trump’s words caused a wave of disagreement not only among politicians, but also among the veterans who participated in this mission.
