Donald Trump has ordered two nuclear submarines to be deployed to “appropriate regions” near Russia following a war of words with the nation’s former president Dmitry Medvedev.
Mr Trump said he had acted “just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that”.
The move comes after Mr Medvedev, now deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, warned the United States on Thursday to remember that Moscow still possesses Soviet-era nuclear strike capabilities.
Writing on social media on Friday, Mr Trump said: “Based on the highly provocative statements of the Former President of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, who is now the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, I have ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that.
“Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences. I hope this will not be one of those instances. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
The exchange follows a statement from Mr Trump on Tuesday in which he gave Russia “10 days from today” to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine or face new tariffs, including on countries that buy Russian oil.
There has been no indication from Moscow that it will comply with the ultimatum, and Russia has set out its own terms for peace in Ukraine.
Moscow has shown no sign that it will comply with Mr Trump’s deadline.
Mr Medvedev on Monday accused Mr Trump of engaging in a "game of ultimatums" and reminded him that Russia possessed Soviet-era nuclear strike capabilities of last resort after Mr Trump told Mr Medvedev to "watch his words."
The former Russia leader has emerged as one of the Kremlin's most outspoken anti-Western hawks since Moscow sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in 2022.
Kremlin critics deride him as an irresponsible loose cannon, though some Western diplomats say his statements illustrate the thinking in senior Kremlin policy-making circles.
This is a breaking news story. More follows.
