WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump has ordered two nuclear submarines to be deployed to undisclosed locations in response to recent “highly provocative” statements by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, escalating tensions between the world’s two largest nuclear powers.
In a statement posted Friday on Truth Social, Trump wrote:
“Based on the highly provocative statements of the former president of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev… I have ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions… just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that.”
While the exact location and nature of the submarines remain classified standard protocol for US naval operations Trump emphasized that his move was a precautionary step in the face of perceived threats.
A Chilling Exchange
The latest action comes after Medvedev, now Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, issued warnings on social media that were widely interpreted as references to Russia’s “dead hand” retaliatory nuclear system. On Telegram, Medvedev accused Trump of playing the “ultimatum game” and escalating risks of war.
“Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war,” he warned, referring to Trump’s recent demands that Russia end the war in Ukraine by August 8, or face sweeping sanctions.
Earlier this month, Trump had issued multiple countdown-style deadlines for Russian President Vladimir Putin to withdraw from Ukraine. Initially setting a 50-day warning, he has since narrowed it to just over a week.
Trump: “We’re Going to Protect Our People”
Speaking to reporters after the Truth Social post, Trump said:
“A threat was made by a former president of Russia. And we’re going to protect our people.”
He stopped short of specifying whether the submarines are nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed, but reiterated that such deployments are necessary to deter aggression.
“Words are very important and can often lead to unintended consequences,” he added. “I hope this will not be one of those instances.”
Kremlin Remains Silent, Markets React
The Kremlin has not issued an official response to Trump’s move. However, Russia’s stock market dropped sharply following his announcement, reflecting investor anxiety over growing geopolitical risks.
Trump and Medvedev have engaged in an increasingly hostile war of words in recent weeks, trading barbs across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Telegram, and Truth Social. Trump recently referred to Medvedev as a “failed former president” who should “watch his words,” saying the Russian official is “entering very dangerous territory.”
Nuclear Deterrence in a Posture of Threat
The US and Russia collectively hold over 90% of the world’s nuclear arsenal, including a formidable fleet of strategic submarines capable of launching intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) from beneath the sea.
This latest move highlights a return to Cold War-style signaling, where submarine positioning serves not only military purposes but also geopolitical messaging.
The Pentagon has not confirmed details of the deployment, and US Navy officials have declined to comment.
Escalation as Ukraine War Drags On
Medvedev, a staunch supporter of Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, has grown increasingly vocal against Western leaders. His references to nuclear retaliation and “dead hand” capabilities have raised alarms in security circles worldwide.
Meanwhile, Trump who is seeking reelection has taken an increasingly hardline stance, threatening massive tariffs on Russian energy and exports if peace is not achieved swiftly.
Analysts say that while nuclear submarine deployments are not uncommon, the public framing of such moves by a sitting president particularly in response to personal social media remarks is highly unusual.
