US President Donald Trump has warned he would move two nuclear submarines closer to Russia, in response to a post on X from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. In response, Vladimir Putin is said to have moved at least four heavy Tu-95MS nuclear bombers closer to Europe.
The strategic aircraft are often used to bomb Ukraine, and Insider UA says they have been loaded with missiles, leading to a “high probability” of an imminent major attack.
Medvedev said the White House’s warnings on future sanctions on Russia constituted “a threat and a step towards war”. In response, Mr Trump said: “I have ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that. Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences. I hope this will not be one of those instances.”
However, the US President did not specify whether he was referring to nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed submarines. Asked later by journalists why he ordered the submarine movement, he said: “A threat was made by a former president of Russia and we’re going to protect our people.”
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Today, in its first official reaction to President Trump’s move, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said US submarines were on combat duty anyway and rubbished the idea there had been an escalation.
“Very complex, very sensitive issues are being discussed, which, of course, many perceive very emotionally,” Peskov said, but added all parties should be “very cautious” with nuclear rhetoric.
The spat comes after President Trump brought forward a deadline for Russia to reach a peace deal. He warned if Moscow did not agree a deal by this Friday (August 8), then the US would hit them with severe sanctions on oil and other exports.
Despite the row, US envoy Steve Witkoff is due to visit Russia on Wednesday, according to Russian media.
“We are always happy to see Mr Witkoff in Moscow… We consider such contact important, meaningful and useful,” Peskov said, adding that Witkoff and Putin may meet.
