North Korea launched around 10 short-range ballistic missiles into the sea a day after criticizing the United States and South Korea over their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercise, despite Washington's decision to shorten and scale back the drills.

The annual joint exercise ended six days earlier than originally planned after U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly instructed the Pentagon to significantly reduce its scope before the drills began. Trump said the decision reflected his positive relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and also referenced Seoul's refusal to support the U.S. during the Iran conflict.

Pyongyang dismisses US gesture

North Korea showed no sign that the move would revive diplomacy.

Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said reducing the duration and scale of the exercises did not change what she described as their provocative and aggressive nature.

One day after her statement, North Korea launched approximately 10 short-range ballistic missiles, a move widely viewed as a response to the joint military drills and a continuation of Pyongyang's earlier threats to retaliate.

US says launches pose no immediate threat

The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) said the missile launches posed no immediate threat to the United States or its allies.

The command added that Washington remains committed to the defense of its homeland as well as its regional allies.

Diplomatic prospects remain uncertain

Kim Yo Jong's remarks also dampened expectations of a renewed summit between Trump and Kim Jong Un.

Nuclear diplomacy between Washington and Pyongyang collapsed in 2019, and no significant progress has been made since then.

During the diplomatic deadlock, North Korea has continued expanding its nuclear and missile programs while deepening military and economic ties with Russia. Analysts believe Pyongyang has received economic and military assistance in return for providing ammunition and troops to support Moscow in the war in Ukraine.

Experts also argue that North Korea's closer relationship with Russia has strengthened its bargaining position, including in its dealings with China.

Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, said Kim Jong Un may be seeking greater political and economic concessions from Washington and could consider renewed diplomacy after the U.S. midterm elections, when domestic political dynamics in the United States may shift.

Meanwhile, Kim Dong-yub, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies, said Kim Yo Jong's statement indicated that Pyongyang no longer believes the personal relationship between Trump and Kim Jong Un can fundamentally change bilateral relations.

Kim Yo Jong also denied Trump's claim that Kim Jong Un had responded positively to a request for a meeting. Asked on Wednesday whether he expected to meet the North Korean leader this year, Trump replied: "Yes, I will."(ILKHA)