President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he ordered two U.S. nuclear submarines to reposition in response to statements by Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s former president and current deputy chair of its Security Council. Trump called Medvedev’s comments “highly provocative” and warned that careless words could have serious consequences.
The move was revealed in a post on Trump’s social media platform, where he said the submarines were placed in “appropriate regions” but gave no details on their exact location or mission. He explained that the decision was made “just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that.”
Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump emphasized that the deployment was about protecting Americans. “A threat was made by a former president of Russia, and we’re going to protect our people,” he said. He added that the measure was taken as a precaution and reflected the importance of responding carefully to foreign threats.
Medvedev’s comments came after Trump shortened his deadline for Russia to reach a ceasefire with Ukraine from 50 days to 10 days, threatening “secondary sanctions” on Moscow’s trade partners if progress is not made. In a series of social media posts, Medvedev warned that Trump’s ultimatums were steps toward a broader conflict and claimed that the real risk was with the United States itself, not just the war in Ukraine. He also mocked Trump by referencing Russia’s “Dead Hand” nuclear response system, suggesting that U.S. actions were being met with calm readiness in Moscow.
The White House and the Defense Department have provided few details about the submarines’ movement. A spokesperson described the decision as part of a policy of “strategic ambiguity,” declining to say whether the vessels were nuclear-powered or carried nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, White House staff and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth amplified Trump’s announcement on social media, with principal deputy press secretary Harrison Fields posting “USA!” alongside a screenshot of the president’s message.
Russian officials responded sharply to Trump’s declaration. Lawmaker Viktor Vodolatsky told the state news agency TASS that Russia maintains far more nuclear submarines in the world’s oceans than the United States and that Trump’s two submarines were “at gunpoint for a long time.” He dismissed the move as posturing, while hinting that Moscow’s naval capabilities remain extensive and prepared.
Despite recent months of friction, Trump has previously expressed a willingness to accept a peace deal in Ukraine that could favor Russia. However, his public exchanges with Medvedev have grown increasingly tense, and his warnings now reflect a harder stance toward Moscow.
The escalation comes as Russia continues its high-intensity campaign in Ukraine, with over 6,000 drone attacks reported in July. Trump has said that if Russia does not comply with his ceasefire timeline, harsher economic measures will follow.
While President Vladimir Putin has remained silent on Trump’s latest move, Russia and China conducted previously scheduled anti-submarine drills in the Sea of Japan over the weekend. Analysts say the U.S. already operates submarines in the region, but Trump’s announcement highlights how verbal sparring between leaders can trigger visible military steps.
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