US-Russia Tensions Escalate: Trump Orders Nuclear Submarine Deployment in Response to Medvedev’s Remarks
US President Donald Trump announced plans for the deployment of two nuclear submarines into strategic regions, a decision made on August 1, 2025. Shared on Truth Social, the move comes after he termed “highly provocative statements” made by Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian President and, presently, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, and as the Ukraine war continues to ignite global anxieties, this escalation portends a high-stakes moment for US-Russia relations amid concerns of a further conflict.
Medvedev mentioned the Russian so-called Dead Hand nuclear strike system—dating back to Soviet times—saying that Trump’s ultimatums to stop fighting in Ukraine in ten days or “very strict tariffs will be imposed” “is a step toward war.” Trump fired back, characterizing Medvedev’s remarks as “inane and incendiary,” and ordered the submarines placed on standby. “Words are very important and there can be unintended consequences. I hope this won’t be one of them,” Trump told reporters, emphasizing the need to be prepared. “A threat was made by a former president of Russia, and we’re going to protect our people.”
The potential deployment, probably involving Ohio-class submarines, which can carry nuclear-armed Trident II D5 missiles, represents “a rhetorical escalation but not a massive operational change,” analysts said. The United States has a continuous deterrent using submarines, and Hans Kristensen of the Federation of American Scientists stated: “The subs are always there and don’t need to be moved into position.” Kristensen believes it is just a show of force from Trump. However, the public nature of the deployment, coupled with Trump’s reported frustration with Russia’s refusal to negotiate an end to the Ukraine war, has created a public awareness unlike any other time in the history of US naval power. The US Navy and Pentagon have said nothing, waiting until they can explain the operational realities of the potential submarine deployment.
This is definitely a big escalation coming after Trump’s latest warning to Russia that they have gone from 50 days to 10 to cease-fire in Ukraine, to avoid further US sanctions. He also stated if Russia doesn’t comply, he states that US sanctions on countries such as India and China would be “secondary” for purchasing Russian oil. The Kremlin hawk, Medvedev, a former president of Russia, who has made no secret of his bellicose upgrading of rhetoric of not only responding to Trump, but calling it “theatrical.” His response was even more supportive of his continued rhetoric by indicating that Russia still has nuclear options. The escalating war of words, and their increase by social media verbal spats indicate the fragile relations which are in real time. Trump is also blaming the Biden administration for the war in Ukraine.
As the world watches what does this escalation look like? It should serve as a reminder of the fragile nature of US-Russo relations. With no observable ending to the war in Ukraine, and the and the rising economic pressures, the risk of miscalculation could occur at any time. Continuing to keep abreast of this ongoing situation with trusted news sources such as, Reuters, Guardian, Al Jazeera, etc. is your best bet.
