U.S.-Russia Tensions Escalate as Trump Orders Nuclear Submarines Closer to Russia

Trump, incensed by Medvedev’s rhetoric, posted on Truth Social: “Based on the highly provocative statements of the Former President of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev… 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.” He later told reporters, “A threat was made by a former president of Russia, and we’re going to protect our people,” confirming to Newsmax that the submarines were moving “closer to Russia.”

The U.S. Navy operates 14 Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), each capable of carrying up to 20 Trident II D5 missiles with multiple thermonuclear warheads, and four converted Ohio-class guided-missile submarines (SSGNs) armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles. At any given time, 8 to 10 Ohio-class submarines are deployed globally as part of the U.S. nuclear triad, maintaining a constant deterrence posture. Security experts, including Hans Kristensen of the Federation of American Scientists, have noted that these submarines are already positioned to strike Russia if needed, suggesting Trump’s order may be more rhetorical than operational. “The subs are always there all the time and don’t need to be moved into position,” Kristensen said.

The Pentagon and U.S. Navy have declined to comment on the specifics of the deployment, citing the highly classified nature of submarine operations. It remains unclear whether Trump’s order involves nuclear-armed SSBNs or conventionally armed SSGNs, or if any actual repositioning occurred. A senior Western military officer told The New York Times that the stealthy nature of submarine operations allows Trump to make such declarations without verifiable action, leaving Russia to guess the U.S.’s intent.

Russia’s response has been muted but defiant. Senior Russian lawmaker Viktor Vodolatsky claimed that Russia’s submarine fleet, estimated at 64 vessels including 16 nuclear-powered SSBNs, far outnumbers the U.S. presence in global waters and that American submarines are already “in the crosshairs” of Russian forces. However, the Kremlin, Russian Foreign Ministry, and Defense Ministry have issued no official statements, suggesting either a cautious approach or a dismissal of Trump’s move as posturing. Russian analyst Fyodor Lukyanov described Trump’s statement as an emotional reaction unlikely to translate into immediate military action.

Trump’s submarine deployment comes amid growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s refusal to negotiate an end to the Ukraine war, now in its fourth year. Trump has oscillated between praising Putin as someone he can “get along with” and issuing ultimatums, including threats of secondary sanctions on countries like India, which continue to purchase Russian oil despite U.S. pressure. India’s defiance, with officials stating on August 2 that they will not alter their energy imports, underscores the challenges Trump faces in enforcing his foreign policy objectives.

The U.S. and Russia possess the world’s largest nuclear arsenals, with Russia’s submarine fleet including modernized Yasen-class and Borei-class vessels capable of carrying Kalibr and Bulava missiles. Both nations’ submarines are designed for stealth and deterrence, operating in strategic regions like the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic. The presence of Russian submarines off the U.S. East Coast, as reported in June 2024, indicates that Moscow is equally capable of projecting power close to U.S. shores.

The world now awaits Russia’s next move and whether Trump’s gamble will lead to de-escalation or further inflame a volatile geopolitical landscape.