Donald Trump has ordered two nuclear submarines to be moved closer to Russia following “highly provocative statements” by the nation’s ex-President.
The US President has called on two teams to return to their original names.
Donald Trump has ordered two US nuclear submarines to be moved closer to Russia in response to “highly provocative statements” from the nation’s former President Dmitry Medvedev.
Mr Medvedev, now deputy chairman of the Security Council of Russia, taunted Mr Trump and his threats towards Russia over a Ukraine ceasefire, in a post on X earlier this week, writing “each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war”.
Taking to Truth Social on Friday (US time), Mr Trump announced he had “ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that”.
“Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances,” he added, without revealing the location of the submarines.
Mr Trump did not disclose where the submarines would be located, nor did he specify if he was referring to nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed submarines.
The President also didn’t indicate which specific statement made by Mr Medvedev – who has been on an anti-US tirade for weeks – prompted the retaliation.
Mr Medvedev, who served as president from 2008 to 2012, had taken to X on Monday to respond to Mr Trump’s announcement he was giving Russia 10 days rather than the originally proposed 50 to agree to a ceasire with Ukraine or face secondary sanctions.
“Trump’s playing the ultimatum game with Russia: 50 days or 10,” he wrote on X.
“Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country. Don’t go down the Sleepy Joe road!”
Days later, Mr Trump warned Mr Medvedev he was entering “very dangerous territory” in a post on Truth Social.
“Russia and the USA do almost no business together. Let’s keep it that way, and tell Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who thinks he’s still President, to watch his words. He’s entering very dangerous territory!” he wrote on Thursday.
Mr Medvedev responded hours later by writing, “Russia is right on everything and will continue to go its own way.”
The former Russian president often makes aggressive remarks on social media and is less diplomatic toward the US than Russian President Vladimir Putin in his public comments — but is largely seen as having a ceremonial role with little actual influence.
He initially brushed off Mr Trump’s warning Russia would face new sanctions if it did not end the war within 50 days earlier this month.
“Trump issued a theatrical ultimatum to the Kremlin. The world shuddered, expecting the consequences. Belligerent Europe was disappointed. Russia didn’t care,” Mr Medvedev wrote on X on July 15.
Mr Medvedev was even more belligerent under Mr Biden, arguing in November of 2024 that if the US were to send nuclear weapons to Ukraine, then Russia would have grounds to respond with an atomic attack.
He also raged against Mr Trump directing the US military to destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities in June, writing “at this rate, Trump can forget about the Nobel Peace Prize — not even with how rigged it has become. What a way to kick things off, Mr. President. Congratulations!”
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