U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated his ongoing verbal spat with Russia’s former President and current Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev by announcing an order to deploy two American nuclear submarines to unspecified regions. The BBC’s Russian Service reports that the move, according to Trump, is a direct response to what he called “reckless and provocative statements” made by Medvedev.
Posting on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump stated: “In light of the extremely provocative remarks made by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, now Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, I have ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines to appropriate regions—should his incendiary language turn into action. Words carry consequences, and I hope this time they don’t.”
The exchange of threats began earlier in the last week when Trump announced a 25% tariff on imports from India, starting August 1. He linked the move to India’s strong economic and military ties with Russia.
“India buys most of its military equipment from Russia and is one of the biggest purchasers of Russian energy—just like China. Meanwhile, everyone demands that Russia stop its war in Ukraine,” Trump said in a post directed at Medvedev.
Trump further dismissed the India-Russia alliance, stating: “I don’t care what India does with Russia. Let them ruin their economies together. We have little in common with India. Their tariffs are sky-high, nearly the highest in the world.”
The U.S. and Russia, Trump added, “barely do business together” and warned Medvedev to “watch his words,” calling him a “failed former president who still thinks he’s in charge.”
Though Medvedev’s original remarks that triggered Trump’s reaction remain unclear, earlier in the last week, he had commented that Trump’s demands for peace in Ukraine sounded more like ultimatums and steps toward war—not with Ukraine, but with the U.S.
In response to Trump’s harsh words, Medvedev posted on Telegram: “If Trump’s reaction to a few words from a former Russian president is this anxious, then it only confirms Russia’s position and path.”
He also responded mockingly to Trump’s reference to “dead economies,” invoking apocalyptic language: “Let him recall his favorite zombie movies and the mythical ‘Dead Hand’ system,” referring to Russia’s alleged automatic nuclear response mechanism.”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in an interview with Fox News Radio, downplayed Medvedev’s relevance: “Medvedev is not a major figure in Russian politics. He doesn’t make decisions. I don’t think he reflects official policy, but he holds an official post and says provocative things. That’s nothing new.”
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin avoided direct references to Trump, his ultimatum, or potential sanctions. Speaking from Valaam Island during a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Putin stated: “Disappointments stem from excessive expectations—it’s a general rule. Serious discussions should happen behind closed doors, not in public.”
