Seoul: North Korea fired several short-range ballistic missiles on Thursday, according to South Korea, and Pyongyang mocked US "servant" Seoul. This development comes after President Donald Trump suggested he would meet Kim Jong Un this year. The missile launches from the nuclear-armed North coincide with South Korea and the United States conducting a reduced version of their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises, following Trump's directive to scale them back. According to France24.com, the situation underscores continuing tensions on the Korean peninsula despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. The missile launches are perceived as a reaction to the joint military drills between South Korea and the United States, which North Korea traditionally views as a provocation. The recent activity raises questions about the potential for future diplomatic engagements between the leaders of North Korea and the United States. The military exercises, although scaled back, are part of a longstanding alliance betwee n South Korea and the United States aimed at maintaining readiness against potential threats from the North. Meanwhile, the suggestion by Trump to potentially meet with Kim Jong Un later this year adds a layer of complexity to the current geopolitical dynamics in the region.