President Donald Trump revealed plans on Friday to deploy two nuclear submarines while discussing increased pressure on Russia to end its conflict with Ukraine. This comes after Trump set a new deadline for Russia to cease hostilities in early August. In response, former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev stated that this ultimatum represents a “step towards war.”
Medvedev, who currently serves as the vice-chairman of the Russian Federation’s Security Council, reacted to Trump’s provocative remarks by suggesting the relocation of the submarines was a necessary precaution against what he called “stupid, inflammatory statements.”
Interestingly, Trump’s announcement aligns with his previous commendation of guided missile submarines used in strikes against Iran. Recently, he mentioned the successful launch of Tomahawk cruise missiles targeting key sites in Iran, praising the capabilities of the military hardware involved.
“If you think our hardware is impressive, well, nothing compares to our nuclear submarines,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social. He touted their power and reliability, pointing to a recent successful strike involving Tomahawks.
While details about the submarines’ identities were not disclosed, reports indicate that some of the U.S. Navy’s Ohio-class submarines have been modified for guided missile operations. These submarines are equipped with nuclear weapons, and it’s unusual for defense personnel to disclose specifics about their movements due to security protocols.
Initially, Trump set a deadline of 50 days for Russia to agree to a peace deal but soon reconsidered its effectiveness, expressing frustration over the protracted negotiations. “Starting today, we will have a renewed deadline of around 10-12 days,” he told reporters, indicating his impatience with the process.
Medvedev, in his remarks, criticized Trump’s ultimatum tactics, warning that each new demand could escalate tensions further. The situation reflects an ongoing stalemate in peace talks and increasing anxiety about Russia’s leadership.
