President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he has ordered the movement of two U.S. nuclear submarines in response to what he called “highly provocative statements” by former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev.
President Donald Trump stated via his social media platform that, due to Medvedev’s “highly provocative statements,” he had directed two nuclear submarines to be deployed “to the appropriate regions,” in case the comments were “more than just foolish and inflammatory talk.”
Trump further emphasized the weight of rhetoric, saying, “Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences. I hope this will not be one of those instances.”
The actual implications of Trump’s command remain unclear, as U.S. nuclear submarines are frequently active in various global hotspots. However, the move comes at a sensitive time in Washington’s diplomatic ties with Moscow.
Trump also revealed that his envoy, Steve Witkoff, is on a mission to Russia to negotiate a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict. He warned that economic sanctions would follow if progress isn’t made, shortening his original 50-day ultimatum to just 10 days; a deadline set to lapse next week.
Trump’s post came shortly after he labeled Medvedev a “failed former President of Russia” and cautioned him to “watch his words” in an earlier social media message.
In response, Medvedev wrote that “each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war.” He previously dismissed Trump’s stance as “theatrical” and claimed Russia was indifferent.
On Thursday, Medvedev issued a statement on Telegram referencing a “dead hand”, a term military analysts recognize as a codename for Russia’s nuclear retaliation command system.
Medvedev, who served as Russia’s president between 2008 and 2012 while Vladimir Putin temporarily stepped aside, currently holds the position of deputy chairman of Russia’s National Security Council. Since the beginning of the war in 2022, his tone has shifted dramatically from his earlier reputation as a liberal reformer to one marked by aggressive and incendiary language.
He has routinely made nuclear threats and directed insults at Western leaders through his social media accounts. Analysts believe Medvedev’s hardened rhetoric is intended to appeal to Putin and hardliners within Russia’s defence establishment.
(1News)
