Trump says nuclear submarines are 'in the region' amid tension with Russia
'I've already put out a statement, the answer is, they are in the region," Trump told reporters traveling with him in New Jersey before he boarded Air Force One.
Trump ordered two nuclear submarines to the "appropriate region" Aug. 1 after former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev referenced Soviet-era nuclear strike capabilities in a social media post that heightened tension with the U.S. leader.
The dispute stemmed from Trump's ultimatum to Russia last month: Make peace with Ukraine or brace for sanctions and secondary tariffs aimed at choking off the country's oil revenue. He gave Russian President Vladimir Putin a 50 day-deadline, which he later revised to Aug. 8.
Trump offers Putin an ultimatum: Senate pressure builds to sanction Russia
The president told reporters Aug. 3 that if the deadline arrives and Russia has not agreed to a ceasefire, "there'll be sanctions."
"But they seem to be pretty good at avoiding sanctions," he added. "You know, they're wily characters. ... So we'll see what happens."
Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff had been expected to visit Russia before the deadline, but the president signaled to reporters that trip had not yet taken place.
He said Witkoff is focused now on addressing starvation in Gaza but could go to Russia later in the week.
Trump says he ordered 2 nuclear subs: They're heading to 'appropriate regions' after Russia nuclear threats
The president stressed the need for a deal in Ukraine that stops the killing.
"And now we're adding towns, where they're being hit by missiles," Trump said.
Medvedev is deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council. He said in a post on X July 28 that Trump should remember that "each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country."
Trump hit back in a Truth Social post that said: "Tell Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who thinks he's still President, to watch his words. He's entering very dangerous territory!"
After Medvedev said Trump should remember "how dangerous the fabled 'Dead Hand' can be" in a post on the messaging app Telegram that referenced the Soviet Union's doomsday nuclear system, the U.S. president said he would reposition the submarines.
Calling the comments "highly provocative," Trump said on Truth Social that he was taking action "just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump deploys nuclear submarines amid tension with Russia
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