Trump orders US nuclear subs repositioned over statements from former Russian leader
Trump posted on his social media site that based on the 'highly provocative statements' from Medvedev he had 'ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that.'
The president added, 'Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances.'
It wasn't immediately clear what impact Trump's order would have on US nuclear subs, which are routinely on patrol in the world's hotspots, but it comes at a delicate moment in the Trump administration's relations with Moscow.
Trump has said that special envoy Steve Witkoff is heading to Russia to push Moscow to agree to a ceasefire in its war with Ukraine and has threatened new economic sanctions if progress is not made. He cut his 50-day deadline for action to 10 days, with that window set to expire next week.
The post about the sub repositioning came after Trump had posted that Medvedev was a 'failed former President of Russia' and warned him to 'watch his words.' Medvedev responded hours later by writing, 'Russia is right on everything and will continue to go its own way.'
Medvedev was president from 2008 to 2012 while Putin was barred from seeking a second consecutive term but stepped aside to let him run again. Now deputy chairman of Russia's National Security Council, which Putin chairs, Medvedev has been known for his provocative and inflammatory statements since the start of the war in 2022, a U-turn from his presidency, when he was seen as liberal and progressive.
He has frequently wielded nuclear threats and lobbed insults at Western leaders on social media. Some observers have argued that with his extravagant rhetoric, Medvedev is seeking to score political points with Putin and Russian military hawks.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sky News AU
a few seconds ago
- Sky News AU
Donald Trump hikes tariffs for India to 50 per cent as punishment for buying Russian oil
US President Donald Trump has imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on India as punishment for its importation of Russian oil. The American leader says its continued purchase of Russian oil, some of which it onsells to third countries, including Australia, is a key to Moscow's war effort in Ukraine. The tariff comes into effect in three weeks and will be on top of a separate 25 per cent tariff to begin on Thursday, which takes the total tariff hike to 50 per cent. India claims the decision was 'unfortunate', adding it was importing the oil to provide energy security for its massive population at a good price. It also points to the vast quantities of uranium, plutonium, and fertiliser that the US buys from Russia.
Sydney Morning Herald
27 minutes ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
A seized $500 million Russian super yacht is up for sale amid fight over who actually owns it
The United States is auctioning off the $US325 million ($500 million) yacht Amadea, its first sale of a seized Russian luxury ship since the start of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. The auction, which closes September 10, comes as President Donald Trump seeks to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war. The US has said it's working with allies to put pressure on Russian oligarchs, some of whom are close to Putin and have had their yachts seized, to try to compel him to stop the war. The 106-metre-long yacht, seized three years ago and currently docked in San Diego, was custom-built by the German company Lürssen in 2017. Designed by François Zuretti, the yacht features an interior with extensive marble work, eight state rooms, a beauty salon, a spa, a gym, a helipad, a swimming pool and an elevator. It accommodates 16 guests and 36 crew members. Determining the real ownership of the Amadea has been an issue of contention because of an opaque trail of trusts and shell companies. The yacht is registered in the Cayman Islands and is owned by Millemarin, also based in the Cayman Islands. The US contends that billionaire Suleiman Kerimov, an economist and former Russian politician, who was sanctioned by the US in 2018 for alleged money laundering, owns the yacht. Meanwhile, Eduard Khudainatov, a former chairman and chief executive of the state-controlled Russian oil and gas company Rosneft, who has not been sanctioned, claims to own it. US prosecutors say Khudainatov is a straw owner of the yacht, intended to conceal the yacht's true owner, Kerimov. Litigation over the true ownership of the yacht is ongoing. A representative of Khudainatov said in an emailed statement on Wednesday that the planned sale of the yacht is 'improper and premature' since Khudainatov is appealing a forfeiture ruling. 'We doubt it will attract any rational buyer at fair market price, because ownership can, and will, be challenged in courts outside the United States, exposing purchasers to years of costly, uncertain litigation,' said the representative, Adam Ford.
Sky News AU
31 minutes ago
- Sky News AU
Vladimir Putin ‘prioritising' war strategic gains over peace negotiations
Sky News US analyst Michael Ware discusses the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, claiming nothing of 'substance' came from it. 'It does appear, according to the White House, that Moscow has expressed interest in President Vladimir Putin meeting personally with President Trump next week,' Mr Ware said. 'The problem here is we can't get too excited too soon because Vladimir Putin genuinely believes he can still grind out a military victory on the ground. 'Vladimir Putin is prioritising strategic gains on the battlefield over President Trump's promises to help inject life back into the Russian economy.'
