Key Points and Summary – President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of two U.S. nuclear submarines to regions near Russia, a direct response to what he called “highly provocative” remarks from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.
-The escalation follows a war of words that began with Trump shortening a Ukraine peace deadline. Medvedev warned this was a “step towards war” with the U.S. and later suggested Russia could launch “preemptive strikes.”
-Citing the danger of such “foolish and inflammatory statements,” Trump announced the military posturing as a precautionary measure, significantly raising tensions between the two nuclear powers.
Trump Deploys Nuclear Submarines Near Russia: Here’s Why
U.S. President Donald Trump appears to be taking recent Russian threats seriously, ordering the deployment of two U.S. nuclear submarines “in the appropriate regions” near Russia. The president cited “highly provocative” remarks made by the deputy chairman of Russia’s security council, 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,” Trump announced on Truth Social.
“Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances,” he added.
On Monday, Medvedev responded to President Trump’s decision to shorten his peace deal deadline from 50 days to 10, criticizing what he called an “ultimatum game.” Medvedev told Trump that “Russia isn’t Israel or even Iran,” and that every new ultimatum “is a threat and a step towards war.” The former Russian president also specified that he was referring to war with the United States, and “not between Russia and Ukraine.”
Trump quickly responded to the comments, issuing a warning to Medvedev to “watch his words.” In a midnight Truth Social post, the president responded with an economic and veiled military threat.
“Russia and the USA do almost no business together,” he said. “Let’s keep it that way, and tell Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who thinks he’s still President, to watch his words. He’s entering very dangerous territory!” Trump said.
The back-and-forth stems from Trump’s recent threat to impose additional sanctions on Russia if it does not cease hostilities in Ukraine by August 8. On Thursday, Trump once again criticized Russia’s ongoing aerial strikes on Ukrainian cities, slamming the conflict as “Biden’s war.”
What Is Going On?
While Medvedev holds no direct control over Russia’s nuclear arsenal, he has long played a deliberately combative role in Russia’s public diplomacy.
His comments typically give Moscow a chance to see how the United States responds to serious threats. His recent statements have revived concern about Russia’s nuclear posture, particularly in light of his recent suggestion Russia could launch preemptive strikes against the United States. Speaking to the state-owned TASS news agency, Medvedev called on Moscow to respond “in full” if Western powers escalate their involvement in the conflict.
“We need to act accordingly. To respond in full,” he said. “And if necessary, launch preemptive strikes.”
On July 16, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also reiterated during a Moscow press briefing that Russia’s nuclear doctrine “remains in force” and that “all its provisions apply.” The comments were widely understood to be a nuclear threat to Western powers looking to step up support for Ukraine.
What Sort of Submarines? Meet the Ohio-Class
While President Trump did not specify the type of submarines the U.S. Navy moved, it was most likely two Ohio-class submarines.
While this class comes in two versions, the most likely version sent to deter Russia would be those armed with long-range ballistic missiles that are nuclear armed.
About the Author:
Jack Buckby is a British author, counter-extremism researcher, and journalist based in New York. Reporting on the U.K., Europe, and the U.S., he works to analyze and understand left-wing and right-wing radicalization, and reports on Western governments’ approaches to the pressing issues of today. His books and research papers explore these themes and propose pragmatic solutions to our increasingly polarized society. His latest book is The Truth Teller: RFK Jr. and the Case for a Post-Partisan Presidency.
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