The Kremlin has brushed off concerns about nuclear escalation after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the repositioning of two nuclear submarines closer to Russian waters.
Speaking on Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the move as a “highly emotional reaction,” rather than a fundamental shift in military posture. “U.S. submarines are always on alert in any case,” he told state news agency TASS, urging caution in nuclear rhetoric from all parties.
Trump’s order came in response to recent inflammatory statements by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who now serves as deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council. Medvedev has become known for his increasingly hardline rhetoric since the start of the war in Ukraine.
Peskov downplayed Medvedev’s remarks, emphasizing that Russian foreign policy remains solely under the direction of President Vladimir Putin. “In any country, leadership voices differ—but it is the president who defines our course,” he said.
Despite the tensions, Peskov acknowledged that diplomatic efforts are ongoing and hinted at a possible meeting between Putin and Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, later in the week.
Trump has issued Russia a revised deadline reportedly expiring Thursday to end the war in Ukraine, warning of new sanctions if Moscow fails to comply.
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