The U.S. and South Korean militaries ended their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise on Friday, six days earlier than planned.

President Donald Trump had ordered the drill be "substantially reduced" before it began Monday.

He cited his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korea's stance on the war in Iran.

The exercise was originally set for 11 days in two phases.

The second phase focused on counteroffensive operations.

The two countries also agreed to halve the number of joint field training exercises from 14 to seven, according to South Korea's military.

Kim Yo Jong, Kim Jong Un's sister, dismissed Trump's gesture on Wednesday.

She said the reduced drill still had a "provocative, aggressive nature."

The next day, North Korea fired about 10 short-range ballistic missiles toward the sea.

The U.S. Pacific Command said these events posed no immediate threat to U.S. territory or allies.

Kim Yo Jong's statement dampened hopes for an early resumption of talks between Trump and Kim Jong Un.

Their nuclear diplomacy collapsed in 2019, and Kim Jong Un has since modernized his arsenal and aligned with Russia.

Kim Yo Jong used measured language, suggesting North Korea may still seek future talks.

However, it wants bigger concessions, such as recognition as a nuclear state and sanctions relief.