South Korea and the US's Ulchi Freedom Shield–2026 joint military exercises have been shortened to six days. The exercises were previously planned to continue until August 27, but now will end on August 21. BBC reported this.
According to South Korea's Ministry of Defense, the decision was made based on a proposal from the US side. Also, the scale of field-tactical exercises will be partially reduced.
US President Donald Trump called the exercises expensive and a "hostile signal" for North Korea. He also stressed that his relations with DPRK leader Kim Jong Un are good.
This decision was made against the backdrop of reports that Trump is discussing the possibility of holding a new meeting with Kim Jong Un. At the same time, Trump also criticized South Korea for refusing to participate in US operations against Iran.
North Korea, for its part, assessed the joint US-South Korea exercises as "preparation for an aggressive war."
