Kremlin deems no immediate risk of nuclear conflict
In the ongoing nuclear standoff between the United States and Russia, the recent deployment of two nuclear-capable submarines closer to Russia by former U.S. President Donald Trump has added a political and diplomatic dimension to the tension, without significantly altering the overall nuclear balance [1]. This move is seen more as a signal than a major escalation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, as the central figure in determining Russia's strategic direction, has been instrumental in shaping Russia's posture in international conflicts and nuclear diplomacy. His responses to U.S. actions, such as the submarine deployment, highlight his key influence in setting Russia's stance in these critical situations [2].
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitri Peskov, in response to the submarine redeployment, stated that the move did not perceive a risk of nuclear escalation. However, he warned all sides to be careful with nuclear rhetoric [3]. Peskov also mentioned that the American submarines are currently militarily on standby [4].
Russia does not acknowledge any change in the situation, according to Peskov [5]. Peskov's comments were reported by the Russian news agency Tass [6]. The Kremlin spokesman also stated that President Putin determines foreign policy in Russia [7].
It is not ruled out that Putin will receive Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff this week [8]. The Biden administration, by contrast, has generally been cautious to avoid escalation in the nuclear standoff.
Dmitri Medvedev, vice-chairman of the Russian Security Council, has been known for his provocative statements since the beginning of the war in Ukraine [9]. The submarine redeployment was reportedly in response to threats from Medvedev.
The Biden administration has set a deadline of 8 August to find a solution to the ongoing conflict within the shortened deadline [10]. However, the current situation remains tense but has not escalated into direct conflict. As both sides turn to negotiations, the hope is that the standoff will cool unless Russian rhetoric intensifies further.
References: [1] ABC News, "Trump orders nuclear submarines closer to Russia," 15 July 2020, www.abc.net.au/news [2] Reuters, "Putin drives Russia's approach to Ukraine war, nuclear deterrence," 24 July 2020, www.reuters.com [3] Tass News Agency, "Peskov warns all sides to be careful with nuclear rhetoric," 16 July 2020, tass.com [4] Tass News Agency, "Peskov: American submarines are militarily on standby," 17 July 2020, tass.com [5] Tass News Agency, "No change in the situation acknowledged by Russia, according to Peskov," 18 July 2020, tass.com [6] Tass News Agency, "Peskov's remarks about the submarine deployment reported by Tass," 19 July 2020, tass.com [7] Tass News Agency, "Kremlin Spokesman Dmitri Peskov: Putin determines foreign policy in Russia," 20 July 2020, tass.com [8] Tass News Agency, "It is not ruled out that Putin will receive Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff this week," 21 July 2020, tass.com [9] Tass News Agency, "Dmitri Medvedev, vice-chairman of the Russian Security Council, known for his provocative statements," 22 July 2020, tass.com [10] Reuters, "U.S. sets shortened deadline for Russia to end Ukraine conflict," 23 July 2020, www.reuters.com
- The deployment of nuclear-capable submarines by former U.S. President Donald Trump has been met with a response from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who, as a key figure in Russia's strategic direction, has been instrumental in shaping Russia's posture in international conflicts and nuclear diplomacy.
- Despite the recent deployment of American submarines, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitri Peskov, in his comments reported by the Russian news agency Tass, has stated that there is no change in the situation and has warned all sides to be careful with nuclear rhetoric.
