Trump orders to scale back US-South Korea military drills
US President Donald Trump said annual military drills with South Korea send an "inappropriate and hostile" signal to North Korea.
President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he has ordered a reduction in joint military exercises with South Korea, according to his post on Truth Social. The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield drills, which typically involve 18,000 South Korean soldiers, are set to run from August 17 to 27. Trump argued that these exercises are costly and send an inappropriate and hostile signal to North Korea, which he claims has been unthreatening and respectful to the US.
South Korea, a long-standing US ally, has declined to assist in the US war against Iran, and Trump stated that he has a very good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Despite this, North Korea has recently fired ballistic missiles toward the sea and threatened stern steps against the US and South Korea, calling the upcoming drills a war rehearsal.
The reduction in exercises comes after North Korea reportedly provided troops to Russia in its war against Ukraine. Trump's announcement follows the North Korean threat, but it remains unclear what the shortened drills will entail, as they were set to begin the following day.
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