Spanish society once again finds itself at the center of an international scandal after Defense Minister Margarita Robles publicly opposed statements by Donald Trump, which cast doubt on NATO allies’ contributions to the Afghan campaign. For Spain, which lost dozens of soldiers during this mission, such remarks were not only an insult to the memory of the fallen but also a challenge to national dignity. The question of how much allies can rely on each other in critical situations has become relevant once again for all of Europe.
Robles did not limit herself to formal remarks: she stressed that Spain will not allow anyone to diminish the sacrifices of its soldiers. According to her, 97 Spanish servicemen, including the first woman to die in an overseas operation, as well as police officers, guards, and interpreters, lost their lives fulfilling their allied duty. The minister reminded that these losses demand respect not only within the country, but also from NATO partners.
Reaction in the West
Trump’s remarks last week sparked a wave of outrage not only in Spain but also in the United Kingdom, where the number of casualties in Afghanistan exceeded 450. The British Prime Minister and the Italian leader were forced to respond publicly to defend the honor of their troops. In the end, Trump tried to soften his position by praising British soldiers, but no apology followed.
In Spain, such rhetoric is particularly painful against the backdrop of ongoing international missions. Just last year, more than 21,000 Spanish military personnel took part in overseas operations, and at the beginning of January, over 3,500 soldiers were stationed abroad under various flags—NATO, the UN, the European Union, and within the framework of bilateral agreements.
Spain’s contribution
The Minister of Defense recalled that Spain has always maintained a clear and consistent stance on collective security issues. In particular, the mission in Afghanistan became one of the most challenging tests for the Spanish armed forces in recent decades. Robles stressed that the country rejects any attempts to downplay this contribution, especially by those who count on allied support in times of crisis.
Special attention was also given to the work of service members in other regions. For example, last year the Spanish military emergency service carried out a record number of operations, underscoring the country’s readiness to respond not only to external threats but also to domestic challenges.
The Ukraine issue
During her address to Congress, Robles also touched on the possibility of Spanish military involvement in Ukraine. She stated that the deployment of troops is not being considered until a peace agreement is reached. The minister expressed doubts that the conflict would end soon, given Russia’s current stance, and emphasized that Spain continues to support the training of Ukrainian soldiers on its territory within the framework of European programs.
Overall, the situation surrounding Trump’s statements has prompted Spain to reconsider its role in international alliances and reflected on the price the country has paid for participating in global operations. The issue of trust among allies has once again come to the forefront, while Spanish society demands respect for the memory of its heroes.
