Donald Trump has ordered two US Navy nuclear submarines to waters near Russia in response to threats made by Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian president and current deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council.
The deployment, announced on Trump’s Truth Social account on Friday, follows a public exchange between the two men after Trump demanded that Russia agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine by 8 August. Trump warned that if Moscow refuses, the United States would impose unprecedented sanctions and tariffs targeting Russia and countries buying its oil.
Trump described Medvedev’s recent statements as “foolish and incendiary” and said the deployment was a precaution in case the threats escalate beyond rhetoric.
“Words carry weight and often have unintended consequences. I hope this is not one of those times,” Trump wrote.
Medvedev, reacting to Trump’s deadline, warned that any ultimatum from the United States would be considered a step toward direct conflict, not between Russia and Ukraine, but with the US itself. In a post on X, Medvedev accused Trump of gambling with war and invoked Russia’s nuclear deterrent system, the so-called “Dead Hand,” which is designed to automatically launch a retaliatory strike if national leadership is destroyed.
Trump responded by warning Medvedev to choose his language carefully. “Tell Medvedev, the failed former president who still thinks he holds power, to watch his words. He’s approaching dangerous ground,” Trump wrote.
The Pentagon has not disclosed the precise location of the submarines, but defence analysts believe they may be operating in international waters in the Arctic or North Atlantic region. The vessels are part of the US Navy’s strategic fleet and are capable of launching ballistic missiles.
The diplomatic standoff has emerged amid intensifying Russian strikes on Ukraine. July saw a record number of drone attacks launched by Russia, according to UN and AFP data. Civilian casualties have risen in recent weeks, with the latest drone and missile attack on Kyiv killing 31 people, including three children.
Trump has repeatedly criticised Russia’s actions in Ukraine, calling them “repugnant” in remarks to reporters on Thursday. He has stated that sanctions alone may not be enough to deter Moscow and indicated readiness to escalate measures if no ceasefire is reached by the August deadline.
The US president’s ultimatum includes the threat of 100 percent tariffs on Russian oil, extending to any country continuing to import it. As a result, Indian state-owned refiners reportedly halted purchases of Russian crude last week, according to Reuters. Several shipments have been rerouted to alternative destinations.
Medvedev’s remarks have drawn attention for their tone and explicit reference to nuclear deterrence. His suggestion that Trump’s pressure signals Russian success in Ukraine reflects Moscow’s claim of progress on the battlefield, despite continued Western support for Kyiv.
Trump’s stance has divided opinion in Washington. Some officials support his direct approach, citing stalled negotiations and the humanitarian toll in Ukraine. Others have warned against public ultimatums that risk inflaming tensions with Moscow.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed renewed negotiations through working groups, with meetings held in private and without media access. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi responded that Ukraine remains open to direct talks between leaders, but only if Russia shows genuine willingness to end the war.
Trump’s move to deploy submarines marks one of the most visible shows of force in his second term. His administration has framed it as both a deterrent and a message to Russia’s leadership.
HT
