President Donald Trump Friday ordered two U.S. nuclear submarines to reposition near Russia following what he called “highly provocative” remarks from Dmitry Medvedev, the Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council.
The former Russian president had recently issued sharp criticism of Trump’s ceasefire demands in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
In a statement released on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump revealed that he took the step as a precautionary measure, warning that rhetoric from Russian leadership was becoming increasingly dangerous.
“Based on the highly provocative statements of the Former President of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, who is now the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, I have ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions,” Trump wrote. “Just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that.”
While Trump did not provide specific details on the submarines’ destinations, military analysts suggest their deployment is likely to send a message of deterrence to Moscow amid escalating tensions.
Trump emphasized the power of language in his statement: “Words are very important and can often lead to unintended consequences. I hope this will not be one of those instances.”
Shortly after Trump’s post, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reposted the message on X, signaling official support from the Pentagon for the president’s move.
The escalation follows a heated exchange that began earlier in the week when Trump imposed a new, shortened deadline on Russia to reach a ceasefire deal with Ukraine. Initially giving Moscow 50 days to come to terms, Trump revised that deadline to just 10 days on Monday, citing a lack of progress.
“I want to be generous, but we just don’t see any progress being made,” Trump said. “I’m not so interested in talking anymore.”
Medvedev reacted angrily to the ultimatum, writing on X: “Trump’s playing the ultimatum game with Russia: 50 days or 10… He should remember two things: 1. Russia isn’t Israel or even Iran. 2. Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country. Don’t go down the Sleepy Joe road!”
The remarks were seen by many as a thinly veiled warning that Russia could escalate its military posture in response to U.S. pressure. Trump’s decision to mobilize submarines appears to be a direct response to what he perceives as a threat not just to international stability, but to the United States itself.
U.S. intelligence has reported a record number of Russian drone attacks in Ukraine during July, with over 6,400 drones launched—highlighting the deteriorating situation on the ground. Trump, once optimistic about a negotiated end to the war, has grown more vocal in his frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s refusal to reach a peace agreement.
The deployment of Ohio-class nuclear submarines—capable of carrying up to 24 Trident II ballistic missiles—is one of the most serious signals yet that Trump is prepared to use military deterrence to prevent further escalation.
The international community is watching closely as the U.S. and Russia edge closer to direct confrontation.