LONDON

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a call Saturday with US President Donald Trump after the president’s remarks about NATO’s role in Afghanistan sparked outrage in the UK.

Starmer cited British and American soldiers "who fought side by side in Afghanistan," according to a statement by the UK premier's office.

It came after Trump said Thursday that NATO troops stayed "a little off the front lines" during the war in Afghanistan.

The president's claim has sparked backlash in the UK, with Starmer calling it "insulting and frankly appalling."

But Trump on Saturday praised the UK soldiers on who fought in Afghanistan, calling them "very brave."

"The great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America," he wrote on his social media platform Truth Social.

During the call, the pair also discussed Ukraine as both agreed on the need to see progress toward a sustainable ceasefire.

"Whilst diplomatic efforts continue, the Prime Minister reiterated that international partners must continue to support Ukraine in its defence against Putin’s barbaric attacks," according to the statement.

Turning to security in the Arctic, the pair pointed out the need for bolstered security, while Starmer highlighted that the issue is an "absolute priority" for his government.

"The leaders discussed the importance of the UK-US relationship, which continues to stand the test of time," added the statement.