U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the deployment of two nuclear submarines to key regions in response to what he described as “highly provocative” statements made by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.
In a message shared on his social platform, Trump stated, “Due to the reckless and dangerous rhetoric from Medvedev, I’ve ordered two nuclear submarines to be stationed in appropriate zones—just in case his words turn into something more serious.”
Trump emphasized the weight of political language by saying, “Words matter. They can sometimes trigger unintended consequences. Hopefully, this won’t be one of those times.”
While it remains unclear how this move will affect routine operations of U.S. submarines, which regularly patrol global hotspots, the timing adds further tension to the fragile ties between Washington and Moscow.
The Trump administration has dispatched special envoy Steve Witkoff to Russia to negotiate a ceasefire in the Ukraine war, warning that new sanctions will follow if no progress is made. Trump had initially given Moscow 50 days, but recently slashed that to 10—with the deadline expiring next week.
This submarine announcement followed Trump’s early-morning Thursday post calling Medvedev a “failed former president of Russia” and warning him to “watch his words.” Medvedev replied hours later, asserting that “Russia is right and will continue on its chosen path.”
Medvedev, who served as president from 2008 to 2012, now holds the position of deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, chaired by Putin. Known for his more moderate tone during his presidency, Medvedev has taken a hardline stance since the start of the Ukraine war—frequently threatening nuclear retaliation and taunting Western leaders online. Analysts say this shift may be an attempt to curry favor with Putin and military hardliners.
The Trump-Medvedev rivalry is not new. On July 15, after Trump declared plans to supply more weapons to Ukraine through NATO and threatened new tariffs on Russia, Medvedev mocked the move, writing, “Trump issued a theatrical ultimatum. The world held its breath. Europe was disillusioned. Russia didn’t care.”
Earlier this week, Medvedev added, “Trump is playing ultimatum games with Russia: 50 days or 10. He should remember: 1. Russia is not Israel or Iran. 2. Every new ultimatum is a provocation and a step closer to war—not just with Russia, but within his own nation.”
