Trump Orders Nuclear Submarines Toward Russia After Medvedev’s Threat
On Friday, President Donald Trump announced that he had ordered the repositioning of two nuclear submarines in reaction to what he described as “highly provocative statements” made by a senior official from the Kremlin.
This decision followed a warning issued by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who currently serves as the deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council. He posted on X, stating: “Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war,” as reported by The New York Post.
Trump shared on Truth Social, “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.” He did not reveal the specific locations of the submarines. “Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences; I hope this will not be one of those instances.”
Although Trump did not specify a particular remark that prompted the order, he directed reporters to Medvedev’s recent statements as proof of increasing threats.
“He was discussing nuclear matters,” Trump informed The Post while exiting the White House on Friday. “When nuclear is mentioned, one must be ready. And we are completely ready.”
Trump did not specify if the submarines are equipped with nuclear weapons or are merely powered by nuclear energy. The Pentagon directed inquiries to the White House, which chose not to provide a comment.
This marks the first occasion on which Trump has suggested the potential use of nuclear force in direct reaction to threats posed by Russia’s leadership. Furthermore, Trump has cautioned that should Moscow fail to cease its military actions in Ukraine by August 8, it will encounter severe secondary sanctions.
Medvedev, who has consistently adopted a more overtly antagonistic stance towards the United States compared to President Vladimir Putin, responded to Trump online, stating: “Trump ought to keep in mind two facts — Russia is neither Israel nor Iran,” and, “every new ultimatum constitutes a threat and a progression towards conflict. Not merely between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own nation.”
“Avoid the Sleepy Joe path!” he remarked, ridiculing Trump’s moniker for Joe Biden.
Medvedev, who held the position of Russia’s president from 2008 to 2012 while Putin was momentarily term-limited, possesses minimal actual authority but frequently resorts to social media to express his unfiltered rants. On July 15, he dismissed Trump’s threat of sanctions, stating: “Trump presented a dramatic ultimatum to the Kremlin. The world trembled, anticipating the repercussions. Aggressive Europe was left disillusioned. Russia remained indifferent.”
He also criticized Trump’s directive from June 22 to obliterate Iran’s nuclear facilities, commenting, “At this pace, Trump can forget about the Nobel Peace Prize — not even with its current level of manipulation. What a way to start things off, Mr. President. Congratulations!”