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Evidence: resolved ·
Fact Lock: locked ·
QA: pass
Downing Street has rejected Pete Hegseth’s characterization of the role played by most non-US NATO forces in Afghanistan, according to The Guardian, saying he was wrong to suggest they had not fought.
The Guardian reports that the UK government criticized Hegseth, the US defence secretary, for downplaying NATO allies’ contribution to combat operations in Afghanistan. Downing Street also emphasized the sacrifices made by British troops, according to the report.
The statement also reaffirmed the UK’s support for Ukraine as “unwavering,” The Guardian reports. It came as Downing Street was distancing itself from Donald Trump’s increasing willingness to engage with Russia, according to the newspaper.
The supplied reporting does not include Hegseth’s full remarks or specify all the non-US NATO forces covered by his characterization beyond the discussion of UK troops. The Guardian is the sole source supplied for the account.