US President Donald Trump on Friday said he had ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned in “the appropriate regions” in response to “highly provocative” comments by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.
“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 said in a social media post on Friday, August 1st.
“Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences. I hope this will not be one of those instances,” the US president added. Speaking to reporters later on Friday, Trump said, “A threat was made, and we didn’t think it was appropriate. So I have to be very careful, according to the BBC.
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‘We are going to protect our people’
Trump’s Ultimatum and Russian Retaliation
Trump has ordered new sanctions on Russia with a deadline of August 8. He said the measure would protect the American public and respond to a threat from a former Russian president.
- Moscow stocks fell sharply after Trump’s announcement, though the Kremlin has not yet commented.
- Trump and Medvedev have clashed on social media, with each criticising the other’s tactics.
- Trump’s new deadline is August 8. If Putin fails to end the Ukraine war by that date, the U.S. will introduce even higher tariffs and additional sanctions.
- Ukraine’s war has drawn Putin and the Kremlin’s indifference, while Medvedev accused Trump of playing “the ultimatum game with Russia.”
Key Points
• Trump’s safety focus – The former president’s security motive is a primary reason for the new measures.
• Russia’s stock market reaction – Moscow’s index dipped following the U.S. announcement.
• Social media personal attacks – The two leaders amplified their debate on public platforms.
• August 8 deadline – A set date that will trigger increased tariffs and sanctions if Russia does not cease its conflict with Ukraine.
Conclusion
Trump’s ultimatum sets a new stage for U.S. sanctions, while Russia’s response remains uncertain, with the Kremlin divided between denial and deflection.
A step towards war, says Medvedev
In a post on X, Medvedev said, “each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war”.
He also said Trump’s ultimatum is “theatrical” earlier in July, saying that “Russia didn’t care”.
Writing on Telegram on Thursday, Medvedev warned of a “dead hand” threat, which some military analysts understood as a reference to the codename of Russia’s retaliatory nuclear strikes control system.
Mounting frustration
U.S. and Russia Maintain the Largest Nuclear Naval Forces
A dual‑national maritime nuclear threat keeps the United States and Russia at the pinnacle of the global arsenal, each operating a fleet of nuclear‑armed submarines that form the backbone of their deterrence strategy.
Submarine Deployment Secrecy
Because of their pivotal role in nuclear deterrence, U.S. submarine deployment details remain among the rarest pieces of operational information the American military shares. The U.S. Navy declined to reveal any specifics, underscoring the confidentiality surrounding these vessels.
Pentagon Silence
When Reuters requested a Pentagon statement, the U.S. defense department did not respond, leaving the question of submarine locations still unanswered.
Political Friction Intensifies
President Trump has voiced growing irritation toward Russian President Vladimir Putin, labeling him “bullshit” and calling Russia’s most recent assault on Ukraine “disgusting.” This exchange highlights the escalating tension between the two superpowers.
- Largest nuclear submarine fleets
- Strict secrecy on U.S. nuclear submarine deployments
- Pentagon silence regarding submarine locations
- Trump’s harsh criticism of Putin and Russian Ukraine attacks
