3 hurdles stand in way of Trump-Kim summit

Three significant obstacles currently prevent a potential summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. After their last meeting seven years ago, Kim appears to have less motivation to return to the negotiating table under Washington's demands. For a summit to occur, Kim must first respond positively, which has yet to happen.

Once Pyongyang responds favorably, the two nations must then address their fundamental disagreements regarding North Korea's nuclear capabilities. Simultaneously, President Trump faces the challenge of maintaining this issue at the forefront of his agenda while juggling other foreign policy matters and the upcoming U.S. midterm elections.

To reignite the idea of summit diplomacy, Trump has been relying on the personal connection he shared with Kim during his first term. Additionally, recent decisions by the Trump administration have further complicated the situation. These include the suspension of the Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) military exercises between the United States and South Korea, which was met with a premature end by the allied forces.

The allies decided to conclude the drills six days earlier than initially planned, viewed by many as a gesture of goodwill towards Pyongyang. Kim Jong-un's apparent reluctance is evident as he has not yet shown any direct response to Trump's invitation for a summit.