The president has been criticized for downplaying the contribution of NATO members to the war in Afghanistan

US President Donald Trump praised British soldiers after his earlier disparaging remarks sparked outrage among veterans and officials in Europe.

Trump came under fire earlier this week when he claimed that allies "stayed a little back, a little off the front lines" during the 20-year American-led occupation of Afghanistan. He also said the US "never needed" any help.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Trump's remarks "insulting and frankly appalling" and suggested that he should apologize.

Trump changed his tone on Saturday, acknowledging the role of UK troops.

"The GREAT and very BRAVE soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America! In Afghanistan, 457 died, many were badly injured, and they were among the greatest of all warriors," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

"It's a bond too strong to ever be broken. The UK Military, with tremendous Heart and Soul, is second to none (except for the USA!). We love you all, and always will!" he added.

NATO members joined the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 when the US invoked Article 5, the bloc's collective defense clause, in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Downing Street said on Saturday that Starmer had spoken to Trump about the issue.

"The prime minister raised the brave and heroic British and American soldiers who fought side by side in Afghanistan, many of whom never returned home," the statement said.

The UK was not the only country offended by Trump's characterization of the allies. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called his statement "unacceptable," adding that NATO had acted in an "extraordinary act of solidarity towards the US."