President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines in response to escalating tensions with Russia’s Deputy Chairman of the Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev.
Trump announced via Truth Social, followed by days of heated exchanges over Ukraine and tariffs. Trump cited Medvedev’s “highly provocative statements,” stating the submarines were positioned “in the appropriate regions, just in case.” In a Newsmax interview, he clarified they were “closer to Russia,” emphasising caution over nuclear rhetoric.
Reuters reported that the deployment coincides with heightened tensions as Trump set an August 8 deadline for Russia to address the Ukraine war or face new sanctions. Russian President Vladimir Putin, rejecting ceasefire calls, reiterated demands for Ukraine to cede territory and abandon NATO ambitions.
Putin announced mass production of the hypersonic Oreshnik missile, with potential deployment in Belarus by year-end. Russian attacks, including a July record of drone strikes and a Kyiv assault killing 31 on July 31, have intensified the conflict.
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Trump did not specify whether the submarines are nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed, nor their exact locations, which remain classified. He stressed the importance of words, noting, “When you mention the word ‘nuclear’… my eyes light up.” Medvedev’s reference to Russia’s “Dead Hand” system, a Cold War-era nuclear control mechanism, prompted Trump’s response. Medvedev, a vocal Kremlin supporter, criticised Trump’s sanctions threats and labelled him an “ultimatum” player, while Trump called him a “failed former President.”
