Russia urged restraint on Monday after President Donald Trump ordered the redeployment of two nuclear submarines in response to remarks recently made by Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation.
Tass reported that Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Moscow maintains a responsible stance on nuclear issues and prefers not to engage in rhetoric that could escalate tensions.
Why It Matters
The back-and-forth between Trump and Medvedev comes as Trump has sought to broker a peace deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war, which was launched by Russian President Vladimir Putin in February 2022. Trump, however, has grown increasingly frustrated with Putin as Russia continues its military operations in Ukraine.
In July, Trump gave Putin a 50-day deadline to reach a ceasefire in Ukraine but has since said he would reduce that to a “lesser number” and that he is “very disappointed” in Putin as Moscow has not relented its attacks on Ukraine.
Trump and Medvedev have traded jabs this week, with the president warning he should “watch his words.”
Trump’s decision to reposition nuclear assets in response to social media comments from Medvedev marks a rare instance of military signaling tied directly to online discourse. Meanwhile, Russia’s call for caution reflects concern over the potential for miscommunication or escalation in an already fragile geopolitical climate.
What To Know
On Friday, Trump said via Truth Social that he had ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned in “appropriate regions” near Russia. He cited “highly provocative statements” from Medvedev as the reason, warning that words can lead to “unintended consequences.”
Medvedev had criticized Trump’s foreign policy and warned that continued ultimatums could lead to war, not just with Ukraine, but with the U.S.
“About Trump’s threats against me on his personal ‘Truth’ social media network, which he’s banned in our country,” Medvedev, the former president of Russia, wrote in a Telegram post on Thursday. “If some words from the former president of Russia trigger such a nervous reaction from the high-and-mighty president of the United States, then Russia is doing everything right and will continue to proceed along its own path.”
He continued: “And about India’s and Russia’s ‘dead economies’ and ‘entering very dangerous territory’ – well, let him remember his favorite movies about ‘the walking dead’, as well as how dangerous the fabled ‘Dead Hand’ can be.”
The “Dead Hand” remark is a reference to the Russian nuclear command system that allows it to launch its nuclear weapons if its leadership were to be taken out by a strike.
Peskov downplayed the significance of Trump’s move, noting that American submarines are routinely on combat duty. He reiterated, Tass reported, that Russia does not wish to be drawn into polemics and treats nuclear-related statements with “great caution.”
The Kremlin said Russia’s foreign policy is shaped solely by Putin. While Medvedev’s comments stirred international reaction, Peskov clarified that divergent views among leadership figures are common and not necessarily reflective of official policy.
With Trump issuing a 10-day ultimatum for Russia to end its war in Ukraine or face new sanctions, including penalties on nations that continue trading with Moscow, Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected to visit the country this week to discuss the terms.
The episode has drawn concern from global observers, with the executive director of the Arms Control Association advocacy group, Daryl Kimball, labeling Russia’s nuclear rhetoric “irresponsible.”
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What People Are Saying
Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters: “Overall, of course, we do not wish to be drawn into such discussion or comment on it. We approach any statements related to nuclear issues with great caution. As you know, Russia holds a responsible position. President Putin’s stance is well known.”
He added: “Russia takes the issue of nuclear non-proliferation very seriously. And, of course, we believe that everyone should be extremely careful when it comes to nuclear rhetoric.”
President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post: “Based on the highly provocative statements of the Former President of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, who is now the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, 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. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
What Happens Next?
Witkoff is expected to arrive in Moscow within days, potentially opening a diplomatic channel amid rising tensions. Meanwhile, Russia’s muted response suggests a strategic effort to avoid escalation, though Medvedev’s future statements may test that restraint.
