U.S. President Donald Trump says he has ordered two nuclear submarines deployed to “appropriate regions” in response to “highly provocative” remarks by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump did not disclose the submarines’ locations but said the deployment was precautionary: “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.”
Medvedev had warned Trump against threatening Russia, citing Moscow’s Soviet-era nuclear strike capabilities. The comments came after Trump reduced his deadline for a Russia-Ukraine peace deal from 50 days to two weeks, threatening “secondary tariffs” if unmet.
“Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war,” Medvedev said, likening Trump to “Sleepy Joe,” his nickname for President Biden.
Responding to Trump’s action, Medvedev mocked U.S. “nervousness” and referenced Russia’s “Dead Hand” nuclear system. Trump warned, “Words are very important… I hope this will not be one of those instances.”
Russian President Putin has not commented.