Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of nuclear-capable submarines to "appropriate regions" in response to a menacing tweet from Russia's former president Dmitry Medvedev, escalating tensions over the war in Ukraine. The move came after Medvedev, now deputy chairman of Russia's security council, called Trump's threat to sanction Russia a "step towards war."
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: "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." He did not specify whether the submarines were nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed. Asked later by reporters, Trump said: "A threat was made by a former president of Russia and we're going to protect our people."
Medvedev had earlier attacked Trump for shortening his timeline for Russia to make progress toward peace with Ukraine from 50 days to 10, writing: "Trump's playing the ultimatum game with Russia... Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country." Security analysts described Trump's response as a rhetorical escalation rather than a military one, noting that the US already has nuclear-powered submarines deployed capable of striking Russia.
Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin offered no concessions, stating he wanted a "lasting and stable peace" but on terms unacceptable to Kyiv. He dismissed Trump's ultimatum, saying: "All disappointments arise from inflated expectations." The third round of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine broke up in less than an hour, with no agreements beyond prisoner exchanges.
