CNN: How Medvedev's nuclear threats play into Trump's hands
Photo: US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump has ordered the relocation of two US nuclear submarines after former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev posted on social media, hinting at a nuclear escalation, reports CNN.
The reason was Moscow's dissatisfaction with the deadline that Trump set for the Kremlin to achieve peace in Ukraine - otherwise, the United States would impose new tough sanctions.
Medvedev, now deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council and effectively removed from decision-making, threatened the West with the so-called Dead Hand, a Soviet automated nuclear strike system in response.
In the United States, this statement was recognized as rhetoric without impact. Trump's secretary of state, Marco Rubio, reminded that Medvedev has no real power.
Nevertheless, Trump publicly responded by announcing the deployment of submarines "in the appropriate regions" in case there was something more behind Medvedev's words.
Although the presence of American submarines in the world's oceans is a common practice, the very fact of the president's loud public reaction has caused a new wave of tension between Washington and Moscow.
Distraction from domestic issues
CNN believes that Trump can use the conflict with Russia as a tool to demonstrate toughness without aggravating the situation with Vladimir Putin personally.
This also gives him room to divert attention from domestic issues, including scandals like the Epstein case.
Against this backdrop, Trump continues his diplomatic efforts: his envoy to Russia and the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, is preparing a new round of talks with the Kremlin.
Their goal is to achieve a ceasefire before the end of the deadline Trump set for Moscow.
Despite the nuclear rhetoric, no immediate escalation is expected.
The real leverage is economic: secondary tariffs against China and India for cooperating with Russia, which could have a long-term effect.
Trump's ultimatum and Medvedev's threats
On July 28, Donald Trump changed the terms of his ultimatum to the Kremlin - instead of 50 days to end the war, he gave only ten. The new deadline is August 8.
In response, Russia said that the "military special operation" was ongoing. Dmitry Medvedev called Trump's demand "a step toward war with Russia."
The American leader responded harshly: he warned Medvedev against threats and said that he was entering very dangerous territory.
After that, Trump ordered two nuclear submarines to be deployed to the Russian coast - their location was not disclosed.
