On Friday, President Donald Trump announced that he had commanded two nuclear submarines to be stationed near Russia, responding to social media statements by Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian President. Making the announcement on his Truth Social platform, Trump criticized Medvedev’s remarks as “highly provocative” and stressed the impact of language, noting that “words are very important and can often lead to unintended consequences.” Trump stated, “I have directed two nuclear submarines to move into strategic areas, just in case these reckless and inflammatory comments signal something more.” Recently, Trump and Medvedev, who is currently the deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, have been engaged in a heated exchange on social media. Although Trump did not provide details, this military move seems to be a reaction to Medvedev’s post made on Thursday. In a post earlier that day on Truth Social, Trump labeled Medvedev a “failed” ex-leader, advising him to “choose his words carefully.” In response, Medvedev ridiculed Trump’s “anxious” response, suggesting it affirmed that “Russia is on the right path and will keep moving forward.” Medvedev also commented on the alleged “dead economies” of India and Russia and the dangerous situation, advising Trump to recall his favorite movies about the “walking dead” and referencing the “Dead Hand” system.
This system, also known as “Perimetr,” dates back to the Soviet era and is believed to still be operational in Russia. It is an automated nuclear control system designed to launch a retaliatory strike in the event of a decapitating attack.
