What Trump's deployment of nuclear subs near Russia means for the world

Key questions:

• How did the dispute between Trump and Medvedev start, and what does the shortened deadline for the Kremlin have to do with it?

• What threats did Medvedev make, and what is known about the Dead Hand system?

• What is known about Trump's decision to move nuclear submarines closer to Russia?

• What is Ukraine's reaction?

Dispute between Trump and Medvedev

Initially, the American leader set a 50-day deadline for the Kremlin, demanding a ceasefire in Ukraine and threatening secondary sanctions against countries continuing trade with Russia.

Later, Trump announced a new deadline for Russia to end the war, giving them 10 or 12 days to resolve the Ukraine issue, since he sees no progress.

Additionally, he stated that he no longer intended to speak with the Russian dictator. Later, US officials clarified that the 10-day deadline Trump announced expires on August 8.

The statements by the US president were sharply criticized by former Russian president and deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, who called them "an ultimatum game" and threatened war with the United States.

“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 (Biden - ed.) road!” Medvedev warned.

Following this statement, the US president posted his reply to Medvedev on his social media platform, Truth Social:

"I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies together, for all I care,” Trump wrote. "We have done very little business with India. Their tariffs are too high, among the highest in the world. Likewise, Russia and the USA do almost no business together. Let's keep it that way. And tell Medvedev, the failed former president of Russia, who thinks he's still president, to watch his words," Trump wrote, adding that Medvedev is "entering very dangerous territory."

In response to Trump's comments on Truth Social, the Russian Security Council deputy chairman said that the US's "nervous reaction" supposedly proves Russia is right:

"If some words from the former president of Russia trigger such a nervous reaction from the high-and-mighty president of the United States, then Russia is doing everything right and will continue to proceed along its own path," Medvedev wrote.

He also referenced the Soviet nuclear system, Perimeter, known in the West as Dead Hand.

“Let him remember his favorite zombie movies and the Dead Hand — how dangerous the fabled Dead Hand can be,” Medvedev added.

The Perimeter system was designed to guarantee the launch of nuclear missiles in case the command was destroyed, even without direct human involvement. In the event of a massive strike on Russia, the system was meant to provide an automatic response - essentially a "revenge hand."

Trump deploys two nuclear submarines closer to Russia

In response to Medvedev's threats, Trump called them "highly provocative" and ordered two nuclear submarines to be moved closer to Russia.

“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. Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences; I hope this will not be one of those instances,” Trump said.

Commenting on Medvedev's post, he effectively stated that the United States is prepared for a nuclear war with Russia.

"Medvedev was talking about nuclear; when you talk about nuclear, we have to be prepared. We are totally prepared," Trump added.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that a nuclear war between the US and Russia would be a "fathomable thing." However, without the use of nuclear weapons, Russia has no chance against the U.S.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said that President Trump seeks peace, not conflict with Russia. At the same time, he advised the Kremlin "not to joke" with the American leader.

On Saturday, August 2, in an interview with Newsmax, President Trump stated that the US nuclear submarines are now closer to Russia. Trump noted that Medvedev said "very bad things" regarding nuclear weapons. He stressed that “the U.S. must always be prepared,” which is why he sent two nuclear submarines to the region.

"I just want to make sure that his [Medvedev’s] words are just words and nothing more," Trump said.

On Sunday, August 3, journalists asked the White House whether the two nuclear submarines had already been deployed closer to Russia.

"They (submarines - ed.) are in the region, yeah — where they have to be," Trump said, but did not specify their exact location.

Meanwhile, in Kyiv, officials welcomed the American leader's decision.

"The concept of 'peace through strength' works. As soon as American nuclear submarines appeared, one Russian drunkard who promised nuclear war immediately went silent. Russia only understands strength," wrote Andriy Yermak, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, on his Telegram channel.

Earlier, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) assessed that the threats by Russia's Deputy Security Council Chairman toward the US are part of a broader Kremlin campaign of "nuclear saber-rattling."

Analysts remind that Kremlin officials often use this tactic as a form of reflexive control, aimed at forcing the West to make decisions favorable to Russia.

Meanwhile, CNN believes Trump may be using the conflict with Russia as a tool to project toughness, without escalating tensions personally with Putin.

This also gives the White House room to divert attention from domestic issues, including scandals such as the Epstein case. Despite the nuclear rhetoric, experts do not predict immediate escalation.

Sources: statements by US President Donald Trump, including posts on his social media platform Truth Social, and posts on platform X by Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev.