A few hours after Donald Trump, the U.S. president, said the level of his country’s military maneuvers with South Korea would be significantly reduced, Seoul has announced the start of these maneuvers.

Mr. Trump, in a post on his social network, Truth Social, wrote that his “very good relationship” with Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea, was the reason for this decision.

Donald Trump called these maneuvers costly and hostile, and referred to South Korea’s refusal to join talks related to Iran’s nuclear program and the United States’ efforts to destroy Iran’s nuclear facilities.

In this regard, he wrote: “These maneuvers are not only costly and, as usual, the United States pays for most of these costs, and they send a completely inappropriate and hostile message.”

The Freedom Shield (first Ulchi) annual exercise is held to prepare against a potential attack on the Korean Peninsula.

📷 Reuters