Trump moves nuclear submarines after Russian ex-president’s comments
BBC NEWS
By Jaroslav Lukiv
BBC News
1 August 2025
Donald Trump did not say where the two submarines were being deployed
US President Donald Trump says he has ordered two nuclear submarines to “be positioned in the appropriate regions” in response to “highly provocative” comments by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.
Trump said he acted “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”.
He did not say where the two submarines were being deployed, in keeping with US military protocol.
Medvedev has recently threatened the US in response to Trump’s ultimatums to Moscow to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine, or face tough sanctions.
Russia and the US possess the most nuclear arms in the world, and both countries have a fleet of nuclear submarines.
In Friday’s post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “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”.
The US president did not say whether he was referring to nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed submarines in his post on Truth Social.
Speaking to reporters later on Friday, Trump said: “A threat was made, and we didn’t think it was appropriate. So I have to be very careful.
“I do that on the basis of safety for our people. A threat was made by a former president of Russia. And we’re going to protect our people.”
The Kremlin has so far made no public comments on the issue, but Moscow’s stock market fell sharply following Trump’s statements.
Trump and Medvedev have recently been involved in a series of personal attacks against each other on social media.
It comes after Trump set a new deadline for Putin to bring the war to an end by 8 August – which Putin has shown no signs of doing.
Before that on Monday, Trump had set a “10 or 12” day deadline. Earlier in July he threatened Russia with severe tariffs targeting its oil and other exports if Putin did not end the war in 50 days.
Russia’s Security Council’s deputy chairman Dmitry Medvedev attends a meeting near Moscow. Photo: June 2024
Image source,Reuters
Image caption,
Dmitry Medvedev was Russia’s president in 2008-12Trump orders two nuclear submarines to be moved after ‘highly provocative’ comments from ex-Russian president
It comes after Dmitry Medvedev, who is now deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council, told the US president to remember Moscow had Soviet-era nuclear strike capabilities of last resort.
Friday 1 August 2025 22:32, UK
Donald Trump. Pic: AP
Medvedev – who was Russia’s president from 2008 to 2012 – accused Trump of playing “the ultimatum game with Russia” earlier this week.
In a post on X, Medvedev said “each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war”.
He also described Trump’s ultimatum as “theatrical” earlier in July, saying that “Russia didn’t care”.
Writing on Telegram on Thursday, Medvedev warned of a “dead hand” threat – which some military analysts understood as a reference to the codename of Russia’s retaliatory nuclear strikes control system.
Friday wasn’t the first time Trump responded to Medvedev’s comments. On Thursday, he described Medvedev as “the failed former president of Russia, who thinks he’s still president”.
Trump also warned Medvedev to “watch his words”, adding that “he’s entering very dangerous territory!”
Medvedev supports Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine launched in 2022, and is an outspoken critic of the West.
Trump moves nuclear submarines after Russian ex-president’s comments BBC NEWS By Jaroslav Lukiv BBC News 1 August 2025
Donald Trump did not say where the two submarines were being deployed
US President Donald Trump says he has ordered two nuclear submarines to “be positioned in the appropriate regions” in response to “highly provocative” comments by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.
Trump said he acted “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”.
He did not say where the two submarines were being deployed, in keeping with US military protocol.
Medvedev has recently threatened the US in response to Trump’s ultimatums to Moscow to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine, or face tough sanctions.
Russia and the US possess the most nuclear arms in the world, and both countries have a fleet of nuclear submarines.
In Friday’s post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “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”.
The US president did not say whether he was referring to nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed submarines in his post on Truth Social.
Speaking to reporters later on Friday, Trump said: “A threat was made, and we didn’t think it was appropriate. So I have to be very careful.
“I do that on the basis of safety for our people. A threat was made by a former president of Russia. And we’re going to protect our people.”
The Kremlin has so far made no public comments on the issue, but Moscow’s stock market fell sharply following Trump’s statements.
Trump and Medvedev have recently been involved in a series of personal attacks against each other on social media.
It comes after Trump set a new deadline for Putin to bring the war to an end by 8 August – which Putin has shown no signs of doing.
Before that on Monday, Trump had set a “10 or 12” day deadline. Earlier in July he threatened Russia with severe tariffs targeting its oil and other exports if Putin did not end the war in 50 days.
Russia’s Security Council’s deputy chairman Dmitry Medvedev attends a meeting near Moscow. Photo: June 2024 Image source,Reuters Image caption, Dmitry Medvedev was Russia’s president in 2008-12
Medvedev – who was Russia’s president from 2008 to 2012 – accused Trump of playing “the ultimatum game with Russia” earlier this week.
In a post on X, Medvedev said “each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war”.
He also described Trump’s ultimatum as “theatrical” earlier in July, saying that “Russia didn’t care”.
Writing on Telegram on Thursday, Medvedev warned of a “dead hand” threat – which some military analysts understood as a reference to the codename of Russia’s retaliatory nuclear strikes control system.
Friday wasn’t the first time Trump responded to Medvedev’s comments. On Thursday, he described Medvedev as “the failed former president of Russia, who thinks he’s still president”.
Trump also warned Medvedev to “watch his words”, adding that “he’s entering very dangerous territory!”
Medvedev supports Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine launched in 2022, and is an outspoken critic of the West.
Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv kills at least 14 people BBC NEWS Thursday 31 July 2025
Following Moscow’s attack that inflicted the highest number of injured children in the capital since the war began, Donald Trump tightened the deadline for a ceasefire and peace talks.
A Russian drone and missile attack on Ukraine’s capital overnight killed at least 14 people, including a six-year-old boy, Ukrainian officials said.
At least 145 people were injured, including 14 children, the youngest being a five-month-old girl, Ukraine’s Emergency Service said.
It was the highest number of children injured in a single attack on Kyiv since the start of Russia’s invasion three years ago, according to a count by The Associated Press.
A woman looks on as she waits for her son to be rescued from under the debris, at the site of an apartment building hit during Russian missi Image: A woman looks on as she waits for her son to be rescued at the site of a damaged apartment building. Pic: Reuters/Valentyn Ogirenko. A large part of a nine-storey residential building collapsed after it was struck, according to authorities. Rescue teams continue searching for people trapped under the rubble.
Yana Zhabborova, 35, who lives in the damaged building, was awakened by loud explosions that shattered the doors and windows of her home.
“There is nothing left,” said Zhabborova, a mother of a five-month-old baby and a five-year-old child. “Just stress and shock.”
At least 27 locations across Kyiv were hit by the attack, City Military Administration head Tymur Tkachenko said. More than 100 buildings were damaged, including homes, schools, kindergartens, medical facilities and universities, he said.
UK flights resume after glitch – as airlines criticise ‘outrageous’ disruption
SKY NEWS UK
30/07/25
Ryanair and easyJet have called the problems “outrageous” and “extremely disappointing”. It comes a few years after much more disruptive air traffic control problems caused chaos for hundred of thousands.
Wednesday 30 July 2025 22:52, UK
UK flights grounded after 'technical issue'0:24
Tsunami warnings latest: Volcano erupts after huge earthquake hits Russia – as French Polynesia warned of ‘coming’ tsunami SKY NEWS UK Wednesday 30 July 2025
Tsunami alerts across the Pacific are being downgraded after an 8.8 magnitude earthquake, one of the strongest ever recorded, off Russia. Follow the latest.
Key points
Tsunami alerts in the US and Asia are being downgraded after a huge earthquake hit off Russia View post
But countries in South America are still bracing for major waves View post
And French Polynesia is warned of a ‘coming’ tsunami View post
Russia is also experiencing a volcanic eruption after the quake View post
Timeline: How the sixth-biggest quake ever unfolded View post
Watch: Massive landslides in Russia after earthquake View post
Analysis: Why did such a powerful quake pass so quietly? View post
England cemented their place in history with a stunning penalty-shootout victory over Spain to retain their European title at Euro 2025.
BBC NEWS
27/07/25
Chloe Kelly, who scored the iconic winner at Wembley in the final of Euro 2022, was the hero again as she converted the decisive spot-kick to seal victory after Spain had missed three in a row, with Hannah Hampton saving two of them.
It is the first time an England team has won a major trophy on foreign soil and seals manager Sarina Wiegman’s status as one of the world’s greatest with her third successive European title – achieved with two countries.
The Lionesses also became the first side to win a single-legged Euros final having been behind at half-time, proving they are the ultimate comeback queens.
They looked down and out when they trailed for a fourth time at Euro 2025, having conceded first in all three knockout matches – but they would not allow their story to end in such a feeble manner.
Mariona Caldentey’s first-half header had put Spain in control, but it did little to dampen England’s unwavering belief and they refused to be beaten.
Substitute Kelly’s introduction changed things when she came on for a struggling Lauren James, named in the starting XI by Wiegman despite doubts over an ankle injury in the build-up.
Kelly’s whipped cross picked out Alessia Russo, who headed the ball into the far corner to make it 1-1.
The Lionesses then dug deep, putting in endless blocks and playing for a shootout, knowing they had what it took to deliver under pressure and complete the greatest achievement by an England team.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
