United States President Donald Trump has ordered two nuclear submarines to travel closer to Russia, in response to “highly provocative statements” made by Russian leader Dmitry Medvedev. Trump posted on his platform Truth Social that the submarine movements were necessary, given Medvedev’s warnings about Russia’s nuclear capabilities. Medvedev had cautioned Trump to be mindful of “how dangerous the fabled ‘Dead Hand’ can be”, referring to Russia’s Cold War-era nuclear weapons system.
“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,” Trump wrote. “Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances.” This move escalates the war of words between Trump and Medvedev, who have been exchanging barbs in recent weeks.
The tension between the two nations comes as Trump becomes increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress towards peace in Ukraine. Since February 2022, a slow-grinding war has unfolded in the country, as Ukraine attempts to repel a full-scale invasion from Russia. Trump entered his second term as president pledging to be a global “peacemaker and unifier”, but his efforts to resolve the dispute between Ukraine and Russia have stalled.
Medvedev, a noted war hawk, has relished how his words provoke the US president. “If some words from the former president of Russia trigger such a nervous reaction from the high-and-mighty president of the United States, then Russia is doing everything right and will continue to proceed along its own path,” Medvedev responded in a post on Telegram. Medvedev also referenced the zombie apocalypse series The Walking Dead, in an apparent nod to the devastation Russia has the power to cause.
Trump and Medvedev have previously sparred over nuclear capabilities. In late June, Trump pointed to the recent US attack on Iran as an example of how the country might respond to other threats. “If anyone thinks our ‘hardware’ was great over the weekend, far and away the strongest and best equipment we have, 20 years advanced over the pack, is our Nuclear Submarines,” Trump wrote. “They are the most powerful and lethal weapons ever built.”
Despite the escalating tensions, Trump has previously urged nuclear arms control talks with Russia and China, saying that the world has more than enough nuclear weapons. The situation remains volatile, with both sides engaging in a high-stakes game of diplomatic cat-and-mouse. As Trump said, “Russia — I think it’s disgusting what they’re doing. I think it’s disgusting,” in response to Russia’s continued military action in Ukraine.