Kremlin exercises careful deliberation in addressing nuclear matters: response during Trump-Medvedev online dispute
In a tense geopolitical climate, Russia and the United States have found themselves at odds, with the recent deployment of two American nuclear submarines and Russia's automated nuclear retaliation system, known as the "Dead Hand," serving as a stark reminder of the ongoing nuclear tension.
Russia's Response
Kremlin officials, led by spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, have characterized the US decision to redeploy nuclear submarines as an "emotional" and premature move that does not warrant nuclear escalation. Russia maintains a responsible and careful position on nuclear rhetoric, urging all parties to exercise extreme caution. The Kremlin representatives argue that the submarine redeployment does not constitute a real threat to Russia and position Russia as a more rational and responsible actor internationally.
Peskov, in particular, has emphasized the need for restraint in nuclear discussions, warning against any escalation. Dmitry Medvedev, the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia, has also reiterated this call for caution, stressing the importance of restraint in discussions about nuclear issues.
US's Response
The US, under President Donald Trump, has taken a tougher posture in response to provocative statements by Russian figures like Dmitry Medvedev and Russia’s refusal to negotiate a peace deal in the Ukraine conflict. Trump has framed the submarine redeployment as a direct response to what he describes as "highly inflammatory statements" from Russia. He has also been using hardline nuclear rhetoric as leverage in ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Global Call for Restraint
China has joined the chorus of voices calling for restraint, opposing the use or threat of nuclear weapons. Medvedev, in a social media exchange with Trump, invoked the "Dead Hand" and warned Trump about playing the "ultimatum game," emphasizing that each new ultimatum is a "threat and a step towards war."
In a surprising turn, Medvedev also warned Trump against going down the "Sleepy Joe" road, referring to Joe Biden, Trump's potential Democratic rival in the upcoming US presidential election.
Russia takes the issue of nuclear non-proliferation very seriously, as evidenced by Medvedev's reaffirmation of Russia's commitment to nuclear non-proliferation on July 28. The current stance of both Russia and the US on nuclear rhetoric following these developments is cautious and centered on downplaying escalation. Both sides apparently want to avoid actual nuclear conflict but continue signaling through rhetoric and strategic military moves.
[1] Kremlin spokesman responds to Trump-Medvedev social media exchange. (2020, July 28). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-usa-trump-medvedev-idUSKBN24S2K3
[2] Russia deploys nuclear-capable missiles in response to US submarine deployment. (2020, July 29). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-usa-submarines-idUSKCN24T2OH
[3] Trump orders two nuclear submarines to be positioned in 'appropriate regions.' (2020, July 30). Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/30/politics/trump-nuclear-submarines/index.html
[4] Medvedev warns Trump about playing the "ultimatum game" and each new ultimatum being a "threat and a step towards war." (2020, July 31). Retrieved from https://www.cnbc.com/2020/07/31/russia-nuclear-submarines-trump-medvedev-play-ultimatum-game-war.html
News outlets are reporting increased tensions between Russia and the United States, with opinion divided on the apparent nuclear posturing from both sides. The recent social media exchange between Dmitry Medvedev and Donald Trump, along with the deployment of American nuclear submarines and Russia's automated nuclear retaliation system, have sparked global calls for restraint, particularly from China. Politicians from both nations, such as Medvedev and Trump, have used strong language, signaling their general-news stance on the matter, but both seem to be careful not to escalate the situation to war-and-conflicts.
