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North Korea has recently intensified its military build-up and weapons development, with support believed to come from Russia. This aggressive stance has led Western officials and experts to believe that Russia is assisting in North Korea’s nuclear advancements. The country has also sent thousands of troops and substantial military supplies to fight alongside Russia in Ukraine.
The Ulchi Freedom Shield drills, held annually between the U.S. and South Korea, are set to begin on August 18. These exercises involve U.S. Marines blending with Seoul’s troops to form a joint command for defending South Korea if needed. The upcoming drills will also include “virtual defensive exercises,” according to the U.S. military.
South Korea and Japan, both under U.S. nuclear protection, have been concerned about North Korea’s nuclear weapons program and missile tests. These activities often lead to increased tensions in the region. Ramon Pacheco Pardo, a professor of international relations at King’s College London, noted that this is a typical response to regular joint military exercises.
The minister stated that the U.S. and South Korea are making “provocative moves” by showing a stance of military confrontation with the DPRK. The upcoming Ulchi Freedom Shield drills will involve simulated responses to a hypothetical North Korean nuclear strike, which was first practiced in 2024.
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Relations between the U.S. and North Korea deteriorated during Donald Trump’s presidency but remain open for diplomacy. However, any resumption of communication with the north is likely to be challenging due to ongoing joint drills with South Korea.
The defense minister highlighted that these exercises are a direct provocation against the DPRK and pose a real threat to the unpredictability of the situation on the Korean peninsula under an armistice agreement.
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Which country is believed to be assisting North Korea with its nuclear advancements according to Western officials and experts?
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