Nuclear warnings issued by Russia amid disputes with Trump's remarks
In a move that signals military readiness and diplomatic tension, President Donald Trump has ordered the repositioning of two U.S. nuclear submarines near Russia[1][3][4]. This decision comes in response to threatening comments made by Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian president and close ally of Vladimir Putin, regarding the stalled peace talks aimed at ending Russia’s war in Ukraine[1].
The submarines involved are nuclear-powered, though it remains unclear whether these include nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarines or just nuclear-powered attack submarines[2]. Trump referred to them as "nuclear" submarines, yet did not elaborate further, likely for operational security reasons.
Russia's response to this move has been marked by tough rhetoric, primarily through Medvedev, who has emphasized Russia’s nuclear capabilities. Medvedev's comments, which provoked the U.S. response, have not been met with detailed official responses from the Russian government beyond his statements[1][2][4].
The row between Trump and Medvedev occurred against the backdrop of an ultimatum from Trump for Moscow to end its military offensive in Ukraine. Medvedev warned that each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war, not just between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country[5].
Medvedev, a prominent anti-western hawk in Russia, accused Trump of playing the ultimatum game[6]. He served as president of Russia between 2008 and 2012, acting as a placeholder for Vladimir Putin who remained in de facto power during this time[7]. Currently, Medvedev is the deputy chairman of Russia's security council.
The locations of the submarines, though deployed in response to Medvedev's comments, remain secret, kept by the US military. Fresh economic sanctions, including on Russia's remaining trading partners, were threatened by Trump, both in the recent past and more recently[8].
This escalation between the U.S. and Russia is taking place against the backdrop of ongoing diplomatic tensions. The stalled peace talks aimed at ending Russia’s war in Ukraine continue to be a significant point of contention between the two nations.
- The deteriorating diplomatic relationship between the United States and Russia, fueled by escalating comments and countermeasures, has also led to increased political discussion in Malaysia, with analysts predicting potential impacts on regional stability in Southeast Asia.
- Meanwhile, general news outlets in Malaysia have reported a growing interest in the war-and-conflicts section of their regular news coverage, with readers expressing concern over the potential for the standoff between Trump and Medvedev to escalate and spill over into other regions.
