Trump responds to threat by Russian official

 DC Daily Journal:

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On Monday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov attempted to de-escalate tensions sparked by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev’s provocative statements, which prompted President Donald Trump to reposition two U.S. nuclear submarines closer to Russia.

Peskov, speaking to reporters via TASS, emphasized Russia’s cautious stance on nuclear issues, stating, “We approach any statements related to nuclear issues with great caution. Russia takes the issue of nuclear non-proliferation very seriously, and we believe that everyone should be extremely careful when it comes to nuclear rhetoric.”

He reiterated President Vladimir Putin’s responsible position, aiming to downplay the U.S. submarine deployment as part of routine operations, noting, “US submarines are already on combat duty. This is an ongoing process.”

The escalation began when Medvedev, now deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, taunted Trump on X about potential U.S. sanctions over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, warning that “each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war.”

Medvedev’s earlier May comments had also raised concerns, referencing World War III in response to Trump’s criticisms of Putin.

On Friday, Trump announced on Truth Social, “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.”

Later that day, speaking to the New York Post before heading to Bedminster, New Jersey, Trump clarified the move was a direct response to Medvedev’s nuclear rhetoric, stating, “When you talk about nuclear, you have to be prepared. And we’re totally prepared.”
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The U.S. move follows Trump’s strategy to pressure Russia to end its invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022, through sanctions and diplomatic initiatives.

The Kremlin’s response suggests a desire to avoid further escalation while navigating ongoing military and economic challenges, as both nations brace for critical talks that could shape the trajectory of the Ukraine conflict.
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The Russian attempt to pull Ukraine back into its orbit is behind this confrontation.  Russia fears having a NATO member on its border.  Russia's war with Ukraine has actually exposed Russia's conventional military weakness.  Russia is now bogged down in Ukraine, a country it thought it could defeat in days.