Moscow: The Kremlin has urged restraint and caution in the use of nuclear language after US President Donald Trump claimed he had ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines in response to comments made by ex-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.
Trump’s remarks, made online, followed a heated exchange with Medvedev, one of the most outspoken figures in Russia’s hawkish anti-Western camp.
In his post, Trump accused Medvedev of making dangerously provocative statements and said the submarines would be deployed to “appropriate regions,” though he did not clarify whether they were nuclear-armed or merely nuclear-powered vessels.
Nor did he reveal where the submarines would be positioned, information typically kept under wraps by US military officials.
Reacting to the comments, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday, “Russia pays close attention to the issue of nuclear non-proliferation, and we believe all parties should be extremely careful when engaging in nuclear-related rhetoric.”
The war of words comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension, particularly over Ukraine.
Trump recently issued what was described as an ultimatum to Moscow, demanding an end to the invasion of Ukraine or face renewed economic sanctions, including restrictions on Russia’s remaining global trade partners.
Medvedev, currently serving as deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, responded sharply to the warning, accusing Trump of “playing the ultimatum card” and reminding him that “Russia is no pushover.”
“Every new ultimatum isn’t just a threat to Russia, it’s a step toward a wider war, potentially even within his own country,” Medvedev said in what appears to be his last public statement since the flare-up.
Medvedev, who briefly served as president from 2008 to 2012 while Vladimir Putin took a term as prime minister, is seen as a loyal figure who helped Putin navigate around term limits while retaining power.
Meanwhile, in Kyiv, Ukrainian officials praised Trump’s move. Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelensky, posted on social media, “Peace through strength works.
