United States President, Donald Trump , says he has directed two nuclear submarines to move into “appropriate regions” following what he called “highly provocative” remarks from former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev.
Trump said the move was “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.”
The president did not disclose the submarines’ destination or clarify whether they were nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed.
Medvedev, now deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, recently warned the US after Trump demanded that Moscow agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine or face strict sanctions. The two men have exchanged increasingly sharp personal attacks in recent weeks.
On Monday, Medvedev accused Trump of playing “the ultimatum game with Russia,” writing on X that “each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war.” Earlier this month, he called Trump’s stance “theatrical,” adding that “Russia didn’t care.”
Medvedev also referenced a “dead hand” threat on Telegram, a remark some analysts linked to Russia’s nuclear retaliation command system.
On Thursday, Trump fired back, calling Medvedev “the failed former president of Russia, who thinks he’s still president” and warning him to “watch his words” because “he’s entering very dangerous territory!”
The White House declined to comment on Trump’s remarks, and the Kremlin has not issued a response to the latest exchange