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WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump confirmed that U.S. nuclear submarines are now “in the region”, following threatening remarks from Russia’s former president Dmitry Medvedev, escalating tensions between the U.S. and Russia over the war in Ukraine.
The announcement comes ahead of an Aug. 8 deadline Trump gave Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire with Ukraine, or face a fresh wave of economic sanctions and secondary tariffs, especially targeting Russia’s oil revenues.
“I’ve already put out a statement. The answer is: they are in the region,” Trump told reporters before boarding Air Force One in New Jersey.
Trump had ordered two nuclear submarines to the “appropriate region” on August 1, responding to Medvedev’s warning referencing the Soviet-era nuclear system known as ‘Dead Hand’, which is designed to launch a retaliatory nuclear strike even if leadership is incapacitated.
In a Truth Social post, Trump slammed Medvedev:
“Tell Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who thinks he’s still President, to watch his words. He’s entering very dangerous territory!”
Medvedev had earlier said Trump’s ultimatum was pushing the U.S. closer to war, stating that “each new ultimatum is a threat” not just to Russia, but to America.
Trump’s Ukraine ultimatum, originally a 50-day deadline, was later shortened to August 8. He warned that if no ceasefire is reached by then, the U.S. will impose fresh sanctions.
“But they seem to be pretty good at avoiding sanctions,” Trump said. “They’re wily characters… so we’ll see what happens.”
The President’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, was expected to visit Russia for diplomacy ahead of the deadline, but Trump said Witkoff is currently focused on Gaza humanitarian efforts and may travel later this week.
Trump emphasized that his administration is focused on ending the killing in Ukraine, stating:
“We need a deal. We can’t keep watching towns being hit by missiles.”
The situation remains tense, with international observers watching closely as the deadline approaches and nuclear rhetoric reaches new highs.
Source: USA Today
