_913.jpg.webp)
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has canceled plans to visit South Korea after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's attempt to impose martial law this week.
This was reported by Reuters, citing two US officials.
Thus, the source informed that a trip to South Korea was planned in the near future, but it was decided that now is not the best time. The official said that consultations were held with South Korea on changing the trip plans.
It is noted that Austin will leave his post until January 20, when the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump will take place.
Austin's trip to South Korea would come at a crucial geopolitical moment in the region, as the United States and South Korea say more than 10,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to russia's Kursk Oblast to help push back Ukrainian forces.
On December 3, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol suddenly declared martial law in the country and accused the opposition of "anti-state activities aimed at preparing an uprising."
As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, the administration of US President Joe Biden was not informed in advance about the martial law in South Korea and is "seriously concerned about what is happening."
On December 4, South Korean lawmakers proposed impeaching President Yoon Suk Yeol for his sudden decision to declare martial law, which he lifted after a standoff between parliament and the army that damaged the country's reputation.
Meanwhile, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol accepted the resignation of Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and appointed Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Choi Byung Hyuk as the new Defense Minister.
Who we are: About us, Contacts. How we write news and our principles: Editorial code. We did our best. If you found this valuable – please support us.
To request a correction, please send an email.