Trump-Kim summit unlikely before year-end, US and Seoul officials signal

US and South Korean officials are increasingly pessimistic about the chances of arranging a summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un before the end of the year, according to multiple sources familiar with ongoing discussions.

The shift in sentiment marks a notable change from earlier diplomatic efforts aimed at reviving high-level talks between Washington and Pyongyang. Officials from both countries have privately indicated that the timeline for such a meeting has become unrealistic given current geopolitical circumstances and ongoing stalled negotiations.

The complications surrounding a potential summit reflect the persistent challenges in US-North Korea relations, including disagreements over denuclearisation terms and sanctions relief. South Korean officials have expressed concern about the declining momentum in diplomatic initiatives, which had previously been viewed as central to regional security efforts.

The assessment by US and South Korean officials suggests that any resumption of direct talks between Trump and Kim Jong Un will likely be postponed beyond the current calendar year. This development comes amid broader tensions on the Korean Peninsula and shifting priorities for the incoming administration.