WASHINGTON / KYIV / MOSCOW — August 2, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday he had ordered two nuclear submarines to be deployed near Russia in response to what he called “foolish and inflammatory” threats from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, further heightening tensions as the war in Ukraine drags into its fourth year.
The move comes days after Trump issued an ultimatum to Moscow: agree to a ceasefire within 10 days or face sweeping tariffs — including penalties targeting nations that buy Russian energy, namely China and India. The deadline expires on August 8.
“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,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences. I hope this will not be one of those instances.
Trump did not specify whether the submarines were nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed, nor did he disclose their exact locations — details typically kept classified by the U.S. military. His statement marks a rare public reference to U.S. submarine deployments and underscores rising geopolitical friction over the Ukraine conflict.
Medvedev Responds With Nuclear Reminder
The escalation follows a war of words between Trump and Medvedev, now deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council. After Trump threatened sanctions and urged Russia to “watch its words,” Medvedev accused the U.S. leader of engaging in a “game of ultimatums” and warned that Russia still possessed Soviet-era nuclear strike capabilities designed for last-resort scenarios.
“It’s not for you or Trump to dictate when to ‘get at the peace table,’” Medvedev wrote online. “Negotiations will end when all the objectives of our military operation have been achieved. Work on America first, gramps!”
Putin: Russia Open to Talks, But War Momentum Favors Moscow
Speaking alongside Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko during a visit to the Valaam Monastery in Lake Ladoga, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow was open to continued negotiations with Ukraine but claimed battlefield momentum favored Russian forces.
“In order to approach the issue peacefully, it is necessary to conduct detailed conversations — not in public, but calmly, in the quiet of the negotiation process,” Putin said.
“We need a long and lasting peace on good foundations that would satisfy both Russia and Ukraine and ensure the security of both countries. This is also a question of European security.”
Putin did not refer directly to Trump’s August 8 deadline but said three rounds of peace talks — most recently in Istanbul — had shown some “positive results.” Russian troops, he said, were advancing across the front line, citing the recent battle over Chasiv Yar, which Moscow claims to have captured. Kyiv denies it has lost full control of the city.
Zelensky: Peace Requires Putin’s Presence
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated calls for a direct meeting with Putin, stating that the current Russian negotiators lack the mandate to reach a lasting peace deal.
“We understand who makes the decisions in Russia and who must end this war. The whole world understands this too,” Zelensky said Friday on X, formerly Twitter.
Zelensky’s remarks come after the deadliest Russian attack on Kyiv in over a year. On July 31, Russian forces launched a multi-wave assault involving more than 300 drones and eight missiles, killing at least 31 civilians — including five children — and injuring 159. The strike caused widespread devastation, particularly in Kyiv’s Sviatoshyn district.
U.S. Stance Shifts as Sanctions Loom
Trump’s deployment announcement signals a shift away from his previously cautious tone on Russia. While campaigning on promises to end the war swiftly, he has recently begun backing stronger measures, including new arms transfers to Ukraine and financial pressure on Russian energy exports.
“Russia must act by August 8 or face consequences — not just from us, but globally,” Trump said earlier this week. “We want peace, but we won’t tolerate deception.”
The Trump administration is reportedly preparing sanctions not only against Moscow but also against countries continuing to import Russian oil — a move likely to strain relations with China and India, key buyers of Russian energy.
Skepticism on the Ground
Despite Trump’s assertive stance, skepticism remains in Ukraine about whether the U.S. approach will produce results.
“Trump just says, ‘I’m upset with President Putin’s behaviour.’ And what? No results,” said 65-year-old Kyiv resident Natalia Matviyenko, sitting near the rubble of a bombed-out apartment building.
“I think America has a lot of points of leverage that can be used against Russia,” added Oksana Kinal, 43, who lost a co-worker and her son in the strike. “But will Putin listen to this? I don’t know.”
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko urged the international community to back justice efforts more forcefully.
“The world possesses every instrument required to ensure Russia is brought to justice,” she said Friday. “What is lacking is not power, but will.”
