U.S. President Donald Trump announced he had ordered the repositioning of two nuclear‑powered submarines to areas near Russia, calling it a precaution against threats made by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Medvedev’s remarks were “foolish and inflammatory” and added: “Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences. I hope this will not be one of those instances.”
The move follows escalating exchanges after Trump issued a publicly delivered 10‑day ultimatum demanding that Russia agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine or face tariffs not only on Moscow but also on nations purchasing Russian oil. Medvedev, deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council, fired back, accusing Trump of playing a “game of ultimatums” and warning the U.S. to remember Russia possessed Cold War‑era nuclear strike capabilities, referring to its automatic “Dead Hand” doctrine of last resort deterrence.
While nuclear submarines are routinely deployed in strategic patrol zones, Pentagon experts suggest the repositioning is largely symbolic, a sharp diplomatic message rather than a shift in U.S. nuclear posture. The vanguard U.S. deterrent already carries submarines capable of launching strategic strikes from the Atlantic and Pacific with little notice. “We don’t know whether this constitutes a material change,” said James Acton, co‑director of Carnegie’s Nuclear Policy Program.
The announcement coincides with political escalation: Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is on the way to Moscow to press for a ceasefire, while Trump ratchets up threats of additional sanctions if Russia fails to yield. Negotiations remain stalled and Medvedev has shown no signs of changing his stance, asserting Russia’s right to continue on its current path regardless of U.S. pressure.
