Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda on Sunday rejected US President Donald Trump’s claim that NATO allies avoided front-line combat during the war in Afghanistan, saying Lithuanian troops carried out demanding missions and suffered losses alongside other allies.
“All countries were involved in the mission in Afghanistan, including Lithuania,” Nausėda told a news conference. “Lithuania took responsibility for the reconstruction of Ghor province, deployed its special operations forces to carry out very real military operations, and certainly did not stand behind others.”
Nausėda said Lithuania paid a price for its involvement, noting that one Lithuanian soldier was killed during the mission.
“All European and other countries that took part in this mission did so with full seriousness, fully aware of the risks they faced, and they were truly on the front lines,” he said.
He added that the United States should be given a clear response reflecting the reality of allied contributions during the 20-year operation.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki, speaking separately, said he was unsure what Trump meant by his remarks but emphasised that US leaders recognise Poland’s military role.
“He ended our meeting on Thursday with the words, ‘You are great soldiers’,” Nawrocki said, referring to talks with Trump in Davos. “The Polish soldier is always where allied interests are at stake – whether Poland’s or those of other NATO allies.”
Trump’s comments, made in an interview with Fox News aired Thursday, drew criticism from several allies. He said NATO sent “some troops” to Afghanistan but “stayed a little back, a little off the front lines”.
The United States and its allies invaded Afghanistan after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. More than 3,600 troops were killed during the mission, including more than 2,400 American soldiers.
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