India, Aug. 19 -- President Donald Trump ordered the U.S. and South Korean militaries to cut their 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises short to just five days, ending them on August 21, 2026. Trump cited high costs, a desire for dialogue with North Korea's Kim Jong Un, and frustration over Seoul declining to support U.S. actions against Iran.

Trump's Decision to Cut US-South Korea Drills Short

South Korea and the United States have agreed to cut their annual joint military exercises, Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS), by more than half following an abrupt directive from US President Donald Trump. Originally scheduled to run for 11 days from August 17 to August 27, the drills will now end early on Friday, August 21. The decision effectively s...