By Abiola Olawale
In an escalation of tensions, United States President Donald Trump announced that he has ordered two nuclear submarines to be repositioned in strategic regions following what he described as “highly provocative statements” from Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian president and current deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council.
In a post on Truth Social on Friday, Trump wrote that he had decided to reposition the nuclear submarines as a cautious move.
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.”
He did not specify whether he was referring to nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed submarines.
Medvedev had earlier said that Trump’s threats to sanction Russia and issue a recent ultimatum were “a threat and a step towards war”.
Earlier this week, Medvedev had attacked Trump for shortening his timeline for Russia to make progress toward peace with Ukraine from 50 days down to just 10, saying that he was ready to impose sanctions and other financial penalties against Russia if it didn’t comply.
“Trump’s playing the ultimatum game with Russia: 50 days or 10,” Medvedev wrote in a post. “He should remember 2 things: 1. Russia isn’t Israel or even Iran. 2. Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country.”
