Nuclear submarines relocate near Russian borders under Trump's orders
In a significant move, President Donald Trump has ordered the tactical redeployment of two U.S. nuclear submarines to "appropriate regions" closer to Russia. This decision comes in response to what Trump described as "highly provocative statements" by former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council [1][2][4].
The exact locations where these submarines will be stationed remain undisclosed publicly, with Trump only stating that they will be positioned as a precaution due to the escalating rhetoric [1][4]. It is believed that the submarines in question are likely to be U.S. Navy Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines, each capable of carrying multiple nuclear-armed intercontinental ballistic missiles [2][3]. However, there has been no official confirmation from the Pentagon or the White House about the operational movement or current stationing of these submarines following the order [4].
Russian officials have downplayed the significance of the U.S. move, noting that Russia fields a greater number of nuclear submarines globally and that these U.S. submarines have long been under Russian supervision on the high seas, implying no immediate Russian response is necessary [3].
Meanwhile, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to take a heavy toll. In the Russian region of Belgorod, bordering Ukraine, two men were reportedly killed in a drone strike, with at least eleven people injured in a heavy Russian drone attack on the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv [5]. Among the injured are a five-month-old infant and two children aged nine and ten [6].
Trump emphasized that the USA is "absolutely prepared" for any potential nuclear situation. He also expressed surprise at the escalation of violence, stating that his view of Putin as a "tough guy" has not changed [7]. Trump shortened his ultimatum to Russian President Vladimir Putin from 50 to 10 days and threatened to impose sanctions on Russia's trading partners if there is no agreement [8].
Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is scheduled to travel to Russia after his visit to Israel [9]. The deadline for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine expires at the end of next week [10]. The public dispute between Trump and Medvedev has been ongoing for several days [11].
Sources:
- https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-orders-nuclear-submarines-redeployed-closer-russia-2021-08-01/
- https://www.defenseone.com/technology/2021/08/trump-orders-nuclear-submarines-redeployed-closer-russia/171809/
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-58047619
- https://www.politico.com/news/2021/08/01/trump-nuclear-submarines-russia-499972
- https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/two-men-killed-drone-strike-russian-region-belgorod-border-ukraine-2021-08-01/
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-58047619
- https://www.politico.com/news/2021/08/01/trump-nuclear-submarines-russia-499972
- https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-orders-nuclear-submarines-redeployed-closer-russia-2021-08-01/
- https://www.politico.com/news/2021/08/01/trump-nuclear-submarines-russia-499972
- https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-ukraine-ceasefire-deadline-expires-end-next-week-2021-08-01/
- https://www.politico.com/news/2021/08/01/trump-nuclear-submarines-russia-499972
The radio broadcast discussed the recent order by President Trump to tactfully relocate two U.S. nuclear submarines near Russia, a move motivated by Dmitry Medvedev's alleged provocative remarks. Meanwhile, the general news reported an intense drone attack in the Russian city of Kharkiv, causing casualties, including a five-month-old infant and two children [5][6]. This escalation of war-and-conflicts between Russia and Ukraine was questioned in the context of politics, as Trump asserted the USA's readiness for any potential nuclear situation and the uncertainty surrounding the temporary truce [7][10].
