Tensions between Washington and Moscow escalated further this week after the Kremlin issued a stark warning to US President Donald Trump, urging extreme caution over nuclear rhetoric in response to his decision to deploy two nuclear-powered submarines closer to Russian waters.
The move followed a war of words between Trump and former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who is currently deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council. Medvedev made a series of provocative statements referencing Russia’s nuclear capabilities, including veiled warnings about Cold War-era automatic retaliation systems. In response, Trump ordered the submarines to move into what he described as “appropriate regions” and stressed the need to be prepared in case Medvedev’s threats were more than words. Trump said the decision was made “just in case” and highlighted the potential consequences of inflammatory language. He warned that words can lead to “unintended consequences” and expressed hope that the situation would not spiral into something far worse.
In Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov addressed the issue in a briefing, confirming that Russia was aware of the American announcement but urging restraint. He said that U.S. submarines are already on combat duty as part of normal military operations and described such movements as an “ongoing process,” downplaying the significance of Trump’s statement. Peskov stressed that Russia does not currently see the situation as an escalation. However, he urged all parties to act responsibly, stating: “Everyone should be very, very careful when speaking about nuclear weapons.” He also reiterated a long-standing principle of Russian policy: “There can be no winners in a nuclear war.”
When asked about Medvedev’s remarks, Peskov noted that foreign policy decisions are ultimately determined by the head of state, President Vladimir Putin. He suggested that leaders in both Russia and other nations sometimes make statements that do not reflect official positions. He declined to confirm whether any internal discussion had taken place regarding Medvedev’s language, but repeated that official policy remains under the president’s control.
The Kremlin also reaffirmed its commitment to nuclear non-proliferation and strategic stability. Peskov emphasised that Russia continues to follow the principle that the use of nuclear weapons should never be treated lightly and that all countries should exercise restraint to prevent dangerous miscalculations. The U.S. decision to move submarines comes against a backdrop of growing geopolitical tension. Washington has recently demanded that Moscow agree to a ceasefire in its ongoing conflict in Ukraine and warned of further sanctions targeting both Russia and countries continuing to trade with it. The deployment of nuclear-capable submarines adds a new layer of complexity to these already strained relations.
Despite the sharp exchange, the Kremlin sought to project calm rather than confrontation. Peskov insisted that Russia does not believe the submarine order represents an immediate change in the strategic balance or a step toward escalation. He also avoided issuing any direct threats or announcing reciprocal measures, signalling that Moscow intends to avoid further inflaming the situation for now.
Nevertheless, the incident has underscored the fragility of the current relationship between the two nuclear powers. While both sides insist they do not want open conflict, the combination of provocative statements and visible military posturing has renewed fears of miscalculation at a time when trust between Washington and Moscow is at its lowest point in decades. As both nations maintain the largest nuclear arsenals in the world, the consequences of misunderstanding or misjudgment could be catastrophic. The Kremlin’s warning that “everyone should be very, very careful” serves as a reminder that, even in the absence of immediate escalation, the rhetoric surrounding nuclear weapons remains one of the most sensitive and dangerous elements of global security.
