US President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines closer to Russia, responding to former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's nuclear rhetoric. The move was the culmination of a war of words between the leaders that has been raging on social media, writes The Telegraph, quoted by IA FOCUS.
Medvedev, who previously called US demands for a ceasefire"a step towards war", threatened a nuclear strike in the event of an escalation. In response, Trump sent nuclear submarines closer to Russia, exposing Moscow's"nuclear bluff". Despite the provocative nature of the US actions, the Kremlin is currently refraining from an official response, although it always behaves symmetrically.

"Mr. Trump's step is more theatrical than a change in the US nuclear position," the publication believes.

American analysts view this silence as a sign of diplomatic play on the part of Putin, who probably does not want an escalation. Meanwhile, pro-Kremlin commentators in the Russian media ridicule Trump's decision, calling it"hysteria" and "meaningless chatter".

Experts argue that the main goal of the US maneuver is to put pressure on Putin, who has so far shown no willingness to make concessions on the Ukrainian issue. If there is no progress by August 8, Trump has promised new sanctions and trade restrictions against Moscow's allies.

Against this backdrop, Dmitry Medvedev, once a reformer, increasingly appears to be a marginal figure, seeking attention through provocative statements.

Last year, The Insider reported that Medvedev's"most awkward" social media posts appeared shortly after new shipments of Tuscan grapes arrived at his Moscow address.

Rumors that Medvedev drinks have circulated for more than a decade, growing stronger as his outbursts have intensified and footage has emerged of him falling asleep at a series of official events.

Alcohol may partly explain his transformation from a politician who courted the West to one who now condemns Western leaders. But it is more likely that he simply craves attention – and Trump is giving it to him, calling him a “loser” in posts on the social network.

“The real target of the submarine maneuver is almost certainly Putin himself – a man whom Trump admires, but who has disappointed him with his refusal to make concessions regarding Ukraine,” the publication suggests.


Nuclear escalation between the US and Russia
We recall that earlier Trump issued a new ultimatum to Putin regarding the war in Ukraine. In response, Medvedev, speaking of a war with the US, noted that “any new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war” not between Russia and Ukraine, but between Russia and the US.

At the same time, Trump said that the United States would use nuclear submarines. He announced that he had ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines in the"appropriate areas" in case Dmitry Medvedev's "stupid" and provocative statements "turn out to be something more".

According to The Telegraph, US President Donald Trump's reaction to Medvedev's aggressive statements sets a dangerous precedent when nuclear policy can be shaped by emotions and posts on social networks.