Trump orders nuclear sub deployment in response to Medvedev’s ‘inflammatory’ remarks
In the midst of this scenario, Zelenskyy has renewed his call for direct peace talks with Putin, saying Ukraine is willing to engage ‘at the level of leaders at any time’ if there is genuine intent to end the war.
In a stark escalation of geopolitical tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump announced he has ordered the deployment of two nuclear-powered submarines to what he described as “appropriate regions,” following what he labeled as “foolish and inflammatory” remarks by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.
Trump made the statement Friday via his Truth Social platform, directly responding to a social media post by Medvedev, who currently serves as Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council.
Medvedev had criticized Trump’s recent threat to impose tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil, calling it an “ultimatum game” that could dangerously escalate tensions between Washington and Moscow, according to international news agencies.
“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,” Trump wrote. He added, “Words are very important and can often lead to unintended consequences. I hope this will not be one of those instances.”
Trump’s decision to reposition strategic military assets comes at a time of mounting violence in Ukraine, as Russia intensifies its attacks. On Thursday, waves of missiles and drones struck Kyiv, killing at least 31 people and injuring more than 150. Ukraine observed a day of mourning Friday to honor the victims.
The exchange between Trump and Medvedev is part of a widening war of words between U.S. and Russian leadership, with nuclear rhetoric now entering the spotlight.
Medvedev, in a defiant Telegram post, mocked Trump’s reaction, saying, “If some words from the former president of Russia trigger such a nervous reaction… then Russia is doing everything right.” He also warned of the Soviet-era “Dead Hand” nuclear retaliation system, further stoking fears of nuclear brinkmanship.
While President Trump did not specify the submarines’ exact locations, the USS Vermont, one of the vessels believed to be part of the deployment, was recently sighted partially surfaced in operational waters.
U.S. nuclear submarines, capable of launching ballistic or cruise missiles, form one leg of the U.S. nuclear triad alongside land-based missiles and strategic bombers.
The move has drawn both concern and curiosity from global observers. Though it remains unclear whether the deployment is part of a broader military shift or a symbolic show of strength, it underscores the fragility of current U.S.-Russia relations, especially as the conflict in Ukraine continues with no diplomatic breakthrough in sight.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy renewed his call for direct peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying Ukraine is willing to engage “at the level of leaders at any time” if there is genuine intent to end the war.
