Trump ‘prepared' for nuclear war with Russia
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump explained his alleged order to deploy two nuclear submarines closer to Russian waters, saying the move was necessary to ensure national security.
'Well, we had to do that. We just have to be careful. A threat was made, and we didn't think it was appropriate,' Trump said. 'So I do that on the basis of safety for our people. A threat was made by a former president of Russia, and we're going to protect our people.'
Well, you just have to read what he said. He was talking about nuclear. When you talk about nuclear, we have to be prepared. And we're totally prepared
Earlier on Friday, Trump announced in a post on Truth Social that he had ordered the deployment of two US nuclear submarines to what he called 'the appropriate regions,' in reaction to remarks made by Medvedev on social media. Trump condemned the former Russian leader's rhetoric as 'foolish and inflammatory,' warning that 'words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences.'
The dispute escalated after Trump referred to Medvedev as a 'failed' leader and warned him to 'watch his words.' Medvedev, who currently serves as deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, responded with a scathing message warning against provoking Moscow too far, referencing the legendary 'Perimetr' automatic nuclear retaliation system, which dates back to the Soviet era and is presumed to still exist in Russia.
'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,' Medvedev wrote.
Though Russia has never officially confirmed the existence of the system, it is widely believed by Western analysts to serve as a last-resort deterrent in the event of a decapitating strike on the Russian leadership.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Russia Today
a few seconds ago
- Russia Today
South Africa's biggest party defends black economic policy
African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has accused the Democratic Alliance (DA) of lobbying against South Africa's transformation policies abroad, saying it has led to US tariffs and sanctions threats targeting the leadership of Pretoria's biggest party. South Africa faces a potential 30% tariff on exports to the US. He warned the ANC would not abandon its transformation agenda, including Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE), despite pressure from Washington and its political allies. Addressing the media in the post-NEC briefing on Wednesday, Mbalula said the ANC is not prepared to abandon its economic transformation policies to appease the United States. 'You must understand that the tariffs imposed by the United States of America are going to negatively affect our economy,' he said. Mbalula accused the DA of lobbying during US visits to have policies like BBBEE scrapped, which he said aligns with longstanding imperialist attitudes. 'You can't, for national interest, say undo BEE to appease the United States of America because, among others, this is what the US wants of us, that we must do away with certain policies which, for us in terms of transformation, are not going to assist us,' Mbalula said. He recalled how, during apartheid, the US under President Ronald Reagan labelled the ANC a terrorist organisation. 'Now we are in a democratic dispensation, and then the US says on the basis of videos the whole of our nation must be punished, despite the fact that facts say something different,' he said. 'Even if it means we're going to suffer through sanctions as leaders of the ANC, let it be. 'We'll never beg imperialists to subvert our democracy, to subvert our sovereignty,' Mbalula said. 'We will never forsake our country, which we fought for its liberation. Not this ANC, not this leadership." Mbalula further criticised what he called a 'right-wing fringe' in South Africa that travels abroad to undermine the country's democratic policies, drawing parallels with the US-Cuba tensions under Fidel Castro. He also rejected US attempts to decide the country's rules and laws. 'You are asking us to abandon what we stand for. You are asking the ANC to stop struggling and then close shop and become something else. 'We are not DA, the DA will address that because they do not want affirmative action, they don't want redress, they don't believe in transformation,' Mbalula said. He further criticised the Trump administration's decision to grant special status to some white South Africans, framing it as part of a broader narrative to portray South Africa as a racist state. 'Donald Trump called for whites here, gave them special status in America. 49 car guards arrived in America. They didn't leave this country, South Africa. They are still here,' Mbalula said, claiming the narrative pushed by the US was misleading and misinformed. Mbalula defended BBBEE and transformation policies as essential for equity and redress in an economy he said remains 'male-white dominated'. He said the ANC would not submit to the agenda of 'a party of anti-transformation.' 'If they want to bring sanctions on us, let them bring them. This country, South Africa, and all its citizens, know that it's a democratic country, it's a liberated country and we are still transforming this country in order to achieve equity. 'If we are punished for advancing and defending South Africa, that should be the case,' he said. First published by IOL
Russia Today
3 minutes ago
- Russia Today
Putin comments on potential meeting with Zelensky
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he could potentially hold face-to-face talks with Ukraine's Vladimir Zelensky, but only if Moscow and Kiev reach progress on a diplomatic settlement. Putin made the remarks on Thursday as he spoke to reporters following talks in Moscow with UAE leader Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. When asked whether he would oppose meeting Zelensky in person, Putin said he had 'nothing in principle' against 'certain conditions must be created' for talks to take place, Putin said, adding, 'Alas, we are still far from creating such conditions.' Zelensky earlier reaffirmed Ukraine's openness to talks with Russia, including in a trilateral format, stating: 'Ukraine is not afraid of meetings and expects the same bold approach from the Russian side. It is time to end the war.' Moscow, however, continues to question Zelensky's legal capacity to sign binding agreements. The Ukrainian leader's presidential term expired last year, and he refused to hold a new election, citing martial law. This prompted Moscow to declare him 'illegitimate.' Putin delivered his remarks one day after he met with Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump's special envoy, in Moscow. Following the three-hour talks, Moscow said the Russian and US leaders could meet as early as next week, with the UAE being a possible venue.
Russia Today
2 hours ago
- Russia Today
No more crutches: Russia's neighbours must now stand on their own
As global instability deepens, Russia's role in Eurasia – and the nature of its ties with neighboring states – is once again in sharp focus. Moscow is not driven by a mission to dominate its neighbors or enforce a privileged position over them. But it must ensure that future dependencies – economic, political, or security-related – do not come at the expense of its own national interests. This delicate balance is now being tested. The summer of 2025 has brought fresh tension to Eurasia. The worsening crisis surrounding Iran could easily spill over, affecting international cooperation and security throughout the region. Meanwhile, relations between Russia and long-standing partners such as Armenia – both a formal military and economic ally – are showing visible strain. Even frictions with Azerbaijan, though less dramatic, signal that the geopolitical fabric of southern Eurasia is shifting. Amid this turbulence, Russia's neighbors face a new set of choices. The ongoing standoff between Russia and the West, combined with uncertainty in the global economy, presents both risks and openings. These smaller states now must navigate a rapidly changing landscape – one where traditional alliances feel less reliable and new poles of influence emerge. Despite these pressures, Russia's influence remains evident. In July, Moscow formally recognized the Taliban government in Afghanistan, a move reflecting both realism and strategic calculation. While the United States still holds significant global clout, particularly through its Western military alliances and presence in the Middle East, Russia, China, and India continue to shape the regional dynamics of Eurasia. This is especially clear in the South Caucasus and Central Asia. These nations, already established as independent and sovereign players, are adapting to new realities – economic integration, demographic change, and environmental pressure. A notable example is the growing cohesion among Central Asia's five republics. Their cooperation may well enhance their regional agency in the years to come. Russia views this development positively. A more resilient Central Asia – capable of solving its own challenges – contributes to overall regional stability and makes cooperation more effective. Nonetheless, new challenges are on the horizon. First, the Middle East will remain volatile. The outcome of the Israel-Iran confrontation remains uncertain, but its destabilizing effects are already rippling outward. Türkiye's foreign policy, often unpredictable, adds further complexity. For countries like Armenia and Azerbaijan, these dynamics will pose a constant strategic test. Second, the energy economies of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan remain vulnerable to global market shocks. A sustained drop in oil and gas prices – or the depletion of reserves – could threaten both countries with domestic turmoil. Managing this risk will demand careful economic planning and diversification. Third, climate change is poised to hit Central Asia hard. Rising temperatures and water shortages, paired with demographic pressures, may evolve into a genuine crisis within the next decade. Fourth, and perhaps most profoundly, Russia's neighbors are not insulated from the deepening instability of global politics and economics. Larger powers may weather volatility thanks to reserves and institutional strength. Smaller states may not be so lucky. They are aware of these vulnerabilities – and they are preparing for them. This, in turn, raises the question: what kind of relationship should these countries build with Russia? Geography, history, and shared infrastructure mean that Russia remains a central power in the former Soviet space. But the nature of this 'space' is evolving. The past three decades have seen the emergence of distinct, sovereign states with their own political trajectories. The idea of a unified 'post-Soviet' region is fading. Cooperation now depends less on shared ideology or past structures, and more on pragmatic interest. Russia does not seek to impose its will on these nations. But it must avoid any arrangement that allows others to benefit from Russian support – economic, security-related, or political – without reciprocity. This would be not only unfair, but strategically dangerous. In this light, the political regimes of neighboring countries are not of primary concern. What matters is that their partnerships with Russia do not undermine its sovereignty or long-term stability. Moscow welcomes genuine cooperation – built on mutual interest and equality – but cannot allow itself to become a crutch for governments unable or unwilling to manage their internal affairs. That principle applies across the board: in the South Caucasus, in Central Asia, and in Eastern Europe. What's required is a consistent, firm, and future-oriented approach to regional policy – one that encourages integration where possible but is unafraid to protect Russian interests when necessary. Of course, breaking away from old habits and assumptions will not be easy. The legacy of the Soviet Union still shapes expectations on both sides. Many governments in the region continue to treat Russia as a default provider of security and economic support – even while forging closer ties with other powers. This dual approach is unsustainable. It's time for a new model – one where Russia is not the guarantor of regional balance but a stakeholder among equals. A partner, not a patron. In such a system, cooperation would no longer rest on sentiment or historical inertia, but on clearly defined, reciprocal benefits. To succeed in this, Russia must act with strategic patience and clarity of purpose. It must support its neighbors where doing so serves mutual goals. But it must also draw clear boundaries – ensuring that its resources, prestige, and geopolitical position are not squandered on arrangements that yield little in return. In a world tilting towards greater uncertainty and multipolar competition, Russia's role in its own neighborhood remains vital. But it must be a role shaped not by nostalgia or charity, but by realism, prudence, and a firm defense of national interest. Only then can lasting, balanced partnerships emerge in the vast, shifting space of article was first published by Valdai Discussion Club, translated and edited by the RT team.
