Trump relocates nuclear submarines following threatening tweet from former Russian president.

Trump relocates nuclear submarines following threatening tweet from former Russian president.

Donald Trump has announced the deployment of nuclear-capable submarines to strategic locations in response to a provocative tweet by Russia’s former president Dmitry Medvedev, raising concerns about escalating tensions over the war in Ukraine.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated he had repositioned the submarines due to Medvedev’s “highly provocative statements,” noting that Medvedev now serves as deputy chairman of Russia’s security council. Medvedev had earlier called Trump’s threats of sanctions and a recent ultimatum “a threat and a step towards war.”

“I’ve ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be stationed in key areas, just in case these reckless statements turn out to be more than just talk,” Trump responded. “Words matter, and they can lead to unintended consequences. I hope that’s not the case here.”

He did not clarify whether the submarines were nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed. When asked later about the move, Trump told reporters, “A threat was made by a former Russian president, and we’re going to protect our people.”

Medvedev, who frequently posts aggressive anti-Western rhetoric on X (formerly Twitter), criticized Trump earlier this week for shortening his proposed timeline for Russia to make progress toward peace with Ukraine—from 50 days down to just 10—and threatening sanctions if Russia failed to comply.

“Trump is playing the ultimatum game with Russia: 50 days or 10,” Medvedev wrote. “He should remember two things: 1. Russia isn’t Israel or even Iran. 2. Every new ultimatum is a threat and a step toward war—not just with Ukraine, but with his own country.” He added, “Don’t go down the Sleepy Joe road!”—a jab at former U.S. President Joe Biden.

Some security analysts viewed Trump’s move as a rhetorical escalation rather than a military one, noting that the U.S. already maintains nuclear-capable submarines capable of striking Russia.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown no signs of compromise, stating on Friday that he seeks a “lasting and stable peace” in Ukraine but offering no concessions. This follows a week of intensified Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities.

Trump has expressed frustration with Putin, accusing him of stalling efforts to broker a ceasefire—a promise Trump claims he could fulfill in just 24 hours. Last month, Trump recounted a conversation with Putin, saying, “I told my wife, ‘I spoke to Vladimir today—we had a great talk.’ She said, ‘Oh really? Another city was just bombed.’”

Putin has yet to respond to Trump’s ultimatum.Drones once more brought death and destruction across Ukraine. Speaking to journalists on Friday—a week before Trump’s new ceasefire deadline—Putin stated, “We need a lasting, stable peace built on solid foundations that satisfy both Russia and Ukraine while ensuring security for both nations.”

While Putin has repeatedly expressed interest in peace, his proposed terms remain entirely unacceptable to Kyiv. Last week, the third round of direct Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul ended in under an hour, yielding no agreements beyond prisoner exchanges.

Addressing Trump’s remarks indirectly, Putin said, “As for anyone’s disappointments, they stem from inflated expectations. That’s a well-known rule.”