Former US President Donald Trump has stated he is ordering the repositioning of two US nuclear submarines as a warning directed at Russia.
This action is reportedly “based on highly provocative statements” originating from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.
According to a post on Mr. Trump’s social media platform, the decision to reposition the submarines stems from what he deems “highly provocative statements” by Mr. Medvedev. Mr. Trump stated he has “ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that”.
Mr. Trump further commented: “Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances.”
The practical implications of this order on US nuclear submarine deployments, which are often active in global hotspots, remains unclear. However, it arrives during a sensitive period in relations between the Trump administration and Moscow.
Reportedly, special envoy Steve Witkoff is being dispatched to Russia by Mr. Trump to urge Moscow towards a ceasefire in its ongoing war with Ukraine. He has also threatened the imposition of new economic sanctions if progress remains stalled.
The initial 50-day deadline for action has been reduced to 10 days, with that window closing next week.
The announcement regarding submarine repositioning follows an earlier post by Mr. Trump on Thursday morning, where he labeled Mr. Medvedev a “failed former president of Russia” and cautioned him to “watch his words”.
Mr. Medvedev responded subsequently, asserting that “Russia is right on everything and will continue to go its own way.”
Mr. Medvedev served as president of Russia from 2008 to 2012, during the period when Vladimir Putin was constitutionally restricted from running for a second consecutive presidential term. Mr. Putin stepped down temporarily to allow Mr. Medvedev to assume the presidency, then ran again in 2012.
Currently the deputy chairman of Russia’s National Security Council (chaired by Mr. Putin), Mr. Medvedev has become known for issuing provocative and inflammatory statements since the beginning of the war in 2022. This is a stark contrast from his presidential tenure, when he was viewed as a liberal and progressive figure.
He has frequently made veiled nuclear threats and directed insults against Western leaders on social media platforms.
Some analysts speculate that Mr. Medvedev’s extreme rhetoric is an attempt to gain favor with Mr. Putin and hardline members of the Russian military.
Previous online disputes have occurred between Mr. Trump and Mr. Medvedev.
On July 15th, following Mr. Trump’s announcement of plans to provide Ukraine with additional weaponry through its NATO allies and the threat of increased tariffs against Moscow, Mr. Medvedev posted: “Trump issued a theatrical ultimatum to the Kremlin. The world shuddered, expecting the consequences. Belligerent Europe was disappointed. Russia didn’t care”.
Earlier in the week, he also wrote: “Trump’s playing the ultimatum game with Russia: 50 days or 10″ and added, “He should remember 2 things: 1. Russia isn’t Israel or even Iran. 2. Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country.”
