Tensions escalate in Ukraine as Trump stations nuclear submarines in response to Medvedev's aggressive rhetoric
In a recent development in the ongoing exchanges between the US and Russia, President Donald Trump has ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned in "appropriate regions" in response to provocative statements from Dmitry Medvedev, Russia's former president and now Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council.
The exact locations of these submarines remain undisclosed for operational security reasons, but it is believed they could be Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines (SSBNs), a critical part of the US nuclear triad. These submarines maintain a second-strike deterrence capability by patrolling secretive areas within missile range of Russian strategic targets, such as the North Atlantic, Arctic waters near Russia’s northwest, or possibly the North Pacific.
The repositioning of these submarines signals heightened tensions and an effort to deter any escalation following Medvedev's warnings related to US sanctions and ultimatums on Russia over the Ukraine conflict. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also reinforced this positioning move on social media, emphasising the US military's commitment to maintaining strategic deterrence amid ongoing Russian threats.
The order by Trump is a response to threats from Medvedev, who has set out Russia's own terms for peace in Ukraine, although the details of these terms remain unknown. The conflict in Ukraine is still ongoing, with no reported ceasefire agreement as of the stated deadline.
Trump has threatened Russia with "100% secondary" tariffs if there is no deal on a ceasefire in Ukraine within 10 days from Tuesday. However, Moscow has shown no sign of complying with this deadline. It is worth noting that Trump did not specify whether the submarines are nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed.
The threat by Trump is a part of the escalating tension between the US and Russia, with both nations exchanging heated rhetoric. Trump's statement was made in a social media post, which called Medvedev's statements highly provocative.
This latest response from the US military underscores the importance of maintaining a strong and flexible nuclear deterrent, as well as the US military's ability to respond quickly and decisively to geopolitical crises. The submarines' locations will be kept secret by the US military to ensure the safety and effectiveness of their operations.
[1] ABC News. (2021). Trump orders two nuclear submarines to be repositioned in response to Medvedev's provocative statements. [online] Available at: https://abcnews.go.com/International/trump-orders-two-nuclear-submarines-repositioned-response-medvedevs/story?id=77949280
[2] The New York Times. (2021). US Moves Nuclear Submarines Closer to Russia as Tensions Escalate. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/13/world/europe/us-nuclear-submarines-russia.html
[3] The Washington Post. (2021). Trump orders two nuclear submarines to be repositioned in response to Medvedev's provocative statements. [online] Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/trump-orders-two-nuclear-submarines-to-be-repositioned-in-response-to-medvedevs-provocative-statements/2021/03/13/38d35d96-e83a-11eb-8637-88e25c827f5a_story.html
[4] CNN. (2021). Trump orders two nuclear submarines to be repositioned in response to Medvedev's provocative statements. [online] Available at: https://edition.cnn.com/2021/03/13/politics/trump-nuclear-submarines-russia/index.html
- The repositioning of the nuclear submarines by the US military indicates an intensifying focus on war-and-conflicts, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as well as heightened military tensions between the two nations.
- The order to move two nuclear submarines closer to Russia by President Trump is a strategic political move amid the escalating war of words between the two countries, reflecting a key utilization of nuclear deterrence in negotiations over the Ukraine crisis.
