President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to scale back joint military drills with South Korea, describing the exercises as inappropriate, hostile, and too costly. The drills, known as Ulchi Freedom Shield, began on Monday and are scheduled to run until late August.
Trump attributed the decision to his very good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, stating that the leader has always treated him with great respect. The president also cited South Korea's refusal to help with the denuclearization of Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. While Trump described recent communication with Kim Jong-un as very positive, the North Korean side has yet to publicly acknowledge any contact.
Despite the order to scale back, US and South Korean forces began the drills as planned. Military officials from both countries have warned that North Korea is learning new battlefield tactics from the war in Ukraine, which is boosting the regime's combat capabilities. Critics have further warned that reducing these annual exercises could weaken South Korea's security.