President Donald Trump said on Friday he’s ordered two nuclear submarines to move to the “appropriate regions” in response to what he called “highly provocative statements” from the deputy chair of Russia’s security council, Dmitry Medvedev.
Trump announced the move in a post to his social media platform. He did not specify in the post exactly where the submarines would be going or what capabilities the submarines have.
“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,” Trump wrote.
“Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances,” he added.
Trump spoke more on the move as he left the White House on Friday afternoon.
“Well, we had to do that. We just have to be careful,” he told reporters. “And a threat was made and we didn’t think it was appropriate. So, I have to be very careful. So, I do that on the basis of safety of our people.”
“A threat was made by a former president of Russia and we’re going to protect our people,” Trump added.
The White House has not elaborated on questions surrounding Trump’s announcement, including when the submarines were deployed, whether there is a mission statement for the moves and whether the submarines were nuclear-armed or nuclear-powered.
A White House official declined to give any specifics, saying only that it is all part of a plan of “strategic ambiguity.”
The Defense Department has not provided any information either, instead referring all questions from reporters to the White House.
Despite the silence on any pertinent information, White House officials were quick to tout the move on social media. White House principal deputy press secretary Harrison Fields reposted a screenshot of President Trump’s post with the caption “USA!” on X.
Russia’s Medvedev has recently sounded off on social media on Trump’s deadline for Russia to come to a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine or face severe sanctions.
“Trump’s playing the ultimatum game with Russia: 50 days or 10… He should remember 2 things: 1. Russia isn’t Israel or even Iran. 2. Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country. Don’t go down the Sleepy Joe road!” Medvedev posted on X earlier this week.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reposted Trump’s statement on X.
MORE: Ukraine, Russia respond to Trump’s new ceasefire deadline as strikes continue
Trump has expressed growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine. Russia launched a record 6,443 drones into Ukraine in July, ABC News reported.
On Monday, Trump announced he was moving up the timeline for Russia to make peace or face what he called secondary sanctions from 50 days to 10 days.
“I want to be generous, but we just don’t see any progress being made,” Trump said. “I’m not so interested in talking anymore.”
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