Trump orders cuts to South Korea joint drills despite warnings of North’s growing battlefield experience
Summary
President Donald Trump has ordered a reduction in joint military drills between the US and South Korea, despite warnings from military officials that North Korea is gaining new battlefield skills from the Ukraine war. The drills are set to begin soon and usually involve thousands of troops, but Trump said they send the wrong message to North Korea, with whom he claims to have a good relationship.Key Facts
- The joint military drills, called Ulchi Freedom Shield, usually involve about 18,000 South Korean troops plus US and other allied forces.
- These drills are meant to prepare against threats from North Korea and last until August 27.
- President Trump said he is not happy with US participation and ordered Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to greatly reduce the drills.
- Military officials warned that North Korean troops have learned new tactics from fighting in Ukraine, including use of drones and cyber attacks.
- North Korea has been supporting Russia in the Ukraine war by sending troops, weapons, and missiles.
- The US and South Korea planned to include these new threats in their training exercises this year.
- South Korea’s defense ministry said the drills would continue as planned despite Trump’s announcement.
- North Korea and Russia are building a road bridge that could help move military supplies between the two countries.
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