In a sharp warning to Russia, US President Donald Trump on Friday said he had ordered the repositioning of two American nuclear submarines in response to what he called “highly provocative statements” by Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s former president and now deputy chairman of the country’s Security Council.
Trump made the announcement on his social media platform, stating, “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. Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences. I hope this will not be one of those instances.”
Though details of the submarine deployment were not disclosed, US submarines regularly patrol global hotspots. Still, the public declaration of such movement is rare and underscores the growing tension between Washington and Moscow.
Speaking to Newsmax later on Friday, Trump said, “He’s got a fresh mouth,” referring to Medvedev.
“He was talking about nuclear. When you talk about nuclear, we have to be prepared. And we’re totally prepared.”
He confirmed that the submarines were being moved “closer to Russia.”
The recent spat began after Trump issued an ultimatum earlier this month, giving Russia 50 days later shortened to 10 to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump warned of severe economic sanctions if Moscow failed to comply. The deadline is set to expire next week.
Medvedev, known for his hawkish rhetoric in recent years, responded mockingly, writing online, “Trump’s playing the ultimatum game with Russia, 50 days or 10, He should remember 2 things, 1. Russia isn’t Israel or even Iran. 2. Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country.”
Trump hit back hours later, calling Medvedev a “failed former President of Russia” and warned him to “watch his words.” Medvedev replied:
“Russia is right on everything and will continue to go its own way.”
At the White House later that evening, Trump confirmed reporters’ questions about the submarine movement, saying,
“We had to do that. We just have to be careful. A threat was made, and we didn’t think it was appropriate.”
“I do that on the basis of safety for our people,” he added. “We’re gonna protect our people.”
Trump also announced that his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is traveling to Moscow in a final attempt to push for a ceasefire. The White House has warned of new economic penalties if diplomatic progress stalls.
Medvedev’s transformation from a relatively liberal figure during his 2008–2012 presidency to a hardline nationalist in recent years has caught global attention. Since the start of the Ukraine war in 2022, he has regularly made incendiary remarks and threatened the West with nuclear retaliation, leading many to believe he is attempting to curry favor with President Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin’s military elite.
The escalating exchange between Trump and Medvedev highlights the fragile nature of US-Russia relations as the conflict in Ukraine grinds on, with nuclear rhetoric now entering an increasingly public and dangerous phase.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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