Tensions between the U.S. and Russia just took a sharp turn toward the Cold War playbook with President Donald Trump ordering nuclear submarines closer to Moscow.
In a nutshell, the Kremlin scrambled to dial back fiery rhetoric from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev after his taunts about U.S. sanctions and war threats prompted Trump to reposition two submarines in response to ongoing frustrations over a stalled Ukraine cease-fire, New York Post reported.
This drama kicked off last week when Medvedev, now deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, took to social media to mock Trump over potential sanctions tied to Moscow’s actions in Ukraine.
Medvedev didn’t stop there, having previously warned of World War III back in May after Trump criticized Vladimir Putin. Talk about pouring fuel on an already blazing fire—his words seem crafted to provoke rather than persuade.
Trump, never one to shy away from a challenge, confirmed to The Post on Friday that Medvedev’s nuclear chatter forced his hand. “When you talk about nuclear, you have to be prepared,” Trump declared, signaling that the U.S. is ready for any escalation.
He doubled down on Truth Social, stating, “I have ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned.” That’s a clear message to Moscow: provocative words have consequences, and America isn’t bluffing.
While Trump kept mum on whether these subs—likely Ohio-class nuclear-powered vessels—are armed or just powered by nuclear tech, their deployment near Russia speaks volumes. It’s a calculated move amid growing irritation over the lack of a cease-fire in Ukraine.
The Kremlin, sensing the heat, tried to cool things down on Monday through spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, who insisted, “Russia takes the issue of nuclear non-proliferation very seriously.” Yet, one wonders if this caution comes too late after Medvedev’s reckless taunts.
Peskov added, “We believe that everyone should be extremely careful.” Fair enough, but when your officials are tossing around war rhetoric, that advice feels a bit hollow.
Peskov also noted, “US submarines are already on combat duty,” acknowledging the reality of America’s response. It’s almost as if Moscow is surprised that words could lead to such tangible actions.
Meanwhile, Medvedev himself called each U.S. ultimatum “a threat and a step towards war.” That’s rich coming from someone whose own statements lit this fuse—perhaps a mirror would serve him better than a megaphone.
With a Friday deadline looming for Trump to slap secondary sanctions on Russia’s trading partners if no Ukraine cease-fire is reached, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Every tick of the clock adds pressure to an already volatile situation.
On the diplomatic front, Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is set to arrive in Russia on Wednesday to push Putin toward a cease-fire. It’s a tall order, but a necessary one if cooler heads are to prevail.
Trump’s frustration with the Ukraine deadlock is palpable, and repositioning submarines is a bold way to underscore that impatience. While some might call it saber-rattling, others see it as a reminder that America’s resolve isn’t just talk—it’s action.
Ultimately, this standoff is a stark reminder of how quickly words can escalate into actions with global consequences. Both sides need to tread carefully, because when nuclear rhetoric enters the chat, no one wins. Let’s hope diplomacy, not bravado, writes the next chapter.
