U.S. President Donald Trump announced on August 4, 2025, that he has ordered two U.S. nuclear submarines to reposition to “appropriate regions” near Russia following provocative remarks from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. This move comes amid Trump’s hardening stance toward Moscow amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and his demand that Russia agree to a ceasefire by August 8 or face intensified sanctions.
Trump accused Medvedev of issuing reckless nuclear threats after Medvedev condemned Trump’s ultimatum on Russia to end the war or face serious consequences. Trump said the repositioning of nuclear submarines was a precautionary measure “just in case” Medvedev’s statements were more than rhetoric, though analysts emphasize that U.S. nuclear submarines are routinely deployed worldwide as a deterrent.
The announcement was also accompanied by threats of new sanctions not only on Russia but also on countries such as India and China for their economic ties with Moscow, including energy trade. Trump specifically warned India of secondary tariffs over its continued purchases of Russian oil.
Russia’s Kremlin responded by urging caution and responsibility in nuclear rhetoric to avoid escalation. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov downplayed the significance of the submarine movements, noting such deployments are standard and constant.
Meanwhile, the war continues on the battlefield with Ukrainian drone strikes hitting Russian targets, including an oil depot in Sochi, and Russia making military advances in eastern Ukraine. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread destruction since its start over three years ago.
Trump’s ambiguous and aggressive tone has drawn concern internationally, as his unpredictable approach to the conflict introduces risks of miscalculation between the nuclear-armed U.S. and Russia.
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