Trump sends nuclear submarines near Russia after Putin aide's 'dead hand' threat

(Representative Image )

Washington/Moscow: Tensions between the United States and Russia spiked on Friday after US President Donald Trump revealed he had ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines. The decision, he said, was in response to what he described as “highly provocative” remarks from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

Posting on Truth Social, Trump wrote:

“Based on the highly provocative statements of the Former President of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev… 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.”

He added that words can have serious consequences, expressing hope that the situation would not escalate further.

War of words intensifies

The exchange began on Thursday when Trump attacked the growing partnership between Russia and India, calling both “dead economies” that could “collapse together.” He mocked Medvedev as a “failed former President of Russia” who still “acts like he’s in charge,” cautioning him to “watch his words.”

Medvedev, now deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council and a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, fired back by accusing Trump of dangerous brinkmanship. He cited Russia’s Cold War-era nuclear deterrent system, known as Perimeter or “Dead Hand,” and warned that continued threats could bring direct conflict with the United States. “Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war,” he said.

Trade threats add fuel

The diplomatic row comes as Trump pushes an aggressive new policy—threatening 100% tariffs on all Russian imports and on goods from its trade partners unless a Ukraine peace deal is signed. Initially giving a 50-day deadline, Trump abruptly slashed it to just 10 days. Moscow has rejected the terms outright.

Although the flare-up coincides with recent scrutiny of Boeing by the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), officials stress the current standoff is firmly rooted in foreign policy disputes, not commercial or aviation issues.

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