United States and South Korea Scale Back Ulchi Freedom Shield Drills
Verified
The United States and South Korea have substantially scaled back the Ulchi Freedom Shield maneuvers. Originally scheduled to run from August 17 through August 27, the exercises will now conclude on Friday, August 21.
Donald Trump said the curtailment resulted from a cost burden and his very good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. South Korean officials noted that a potential autumn summit between Trump and Kim would mark a new turning point.
The Pentagon confirmed a substantial reduction affecting live events and field training. Officials maintain that operational readiness remains intact.
Reports on the timing of Trump's order diverge. Some accounts cite Sunday in U.S. time while others reference August.
Sources
- Yonhap: (News Focus) Trump's order to reduce military exercises raises hopes, concerns over Korean Peninsula security
- Yonhap: (LEAD) S. Korea, U.S. cut short joint military exercise following Trump order
- Yonhap: (2nd LD) S. Korea, U.S. cut short joint military exercise following Trump order
- Yonhap: Seoul not notified in advance of Trump's order to scale back drills: FM Cho
- BBC World: South Korea shortens war games with US citing Washington request
- Yonhap: S. Korea, U.S. sharply reduce joint military exercise following Trump order
- ABC News US: South Korean and US militaries shorten drills by about half after Trump ordered a reduction
- NYT US: Pentagon Scales Back Major Training Exercises With South Korea
- Deutsche Welle: US, South Korea cut short joint drills after Trump criticism
- NDTV: South Korea, US To End Joint Drills A Week Early After Trump's Order