Trump Orders Two Nuclear Submarines in Response to ExPresident Medvedev’s Threatening Remarks

On August 1, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the repositioning of two nuclear submarines to strategic locations, citing what he described as provocative and potentially dangerous statements by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who now serves as deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council.
Trump made the announcement via social media, stating:
“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... Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances.”
Medvedev’s comments followed Trump’s ultimatum earlier in the week: if Russia does not agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine by August 8, it could face broad sanctions impacting its oil trade and other economic ties. In response, Medvedev warned that each new ultimatum is a "step towards war," reminding the U.S. of Russia’s Soviet-era nuclear “Dead Hand” system, a retaliatory capability meant to function even if leadership is incapacitated.
Analysts have interpreted Trump’s submarine deployment as a form of strategic signaling an escalation in rhetoric rather than a direct military maneuver because the U.S. routinely maintains nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines that are already capable of striking Russia. Moreover, the U.S. Navy and Pentagon refused to comment on the deployment, consistent with long-standing secrecy protocols. Experts cautioned that public declarations of nuclear posture increase the risk of miscalculation in an already fragile geopolitical landscape.
The move marks a rare instance of a U.S. president publicly referencing potential nuclear assets in response to verbal exchanges, prompting concern among arms control groups. Daryl Kimball of the Arms Control Association called the action “irresponsible and inadvisable,” while scholars noted the U.S. maintains about 8 to 10 of its 14 Ohio-class submarines on deployment at any time.
The development comes amid heightened frustration from Trump over stalled peace efforts in Ukraine. Neither Medvedev nor the Kremlin has publicly responded to the submarine announcement.
Sources:
Reuters, Washington Post, People