• Source:JND
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Tensions between Washington and Moscow have reignited after US President Donald Trump announced the deployment of two nuclear submarines near Russian waters. The move, shared on Trump’s social media platform Truth Social, was a response to what he called “foolish and inflammatory” remarks made by Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s former president and current deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council.

“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,” Trump posted.

In response, the Kremlin issued a measured but stern warning. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov cautioned against the use of nuclear rhetoric, stating, “Russia is very attentive to the topic of nuclear non-proliferation. And we believe that everyone should be very, very cautious with nuclear rhetoric.” He further downplayed the threat by noting that US submarines are already on routine combat duty, and insisted there was no major escalation.

“Very complex, very sensitive issues are being discussed, which many perceive very emotionally,” Peskov said, adding that Moscow does not wish to engage in “polemics.”

Russia Dismisses Submarine Deployment

Russian lawmaker Viktor Vodolatsky also brushed off Trump’s orders, claiming that Russia holds superior strategic control over the world’s oceans. He told state-run TASS news agency, “The number of Russian nuclear submarines in the world's oceans is significantly higher than the American ones, and the subs Trump ordered have long been under our control.” He added that no further response from Russia was necessary.

The rhetoric took a chilling turn when Medvedev alluded to Russia’s Cold War-era nuclear deterrent system known as the “Dead Hand.” In a mocking Telegram post directed at Trump, Medvedev referred to his apparent obsession with apocalyptic themes, suggesting Trump should “remember how dangerous the so-called ‘Dead Hand,’ which doesn’t even exist, could be.”

What Is ‘Dead Hand’?

The “Dead Hand,” also known as “Perimeter,” is an automatic or semi-automatic nuclear retaliation system developed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. It was designed to launch a devastating counterstrike even if the entire Soviet command structure was destroyed in a nuclear first strike. Though its current operational status remains unclear, it symbolizes Russia's doctrine of assured retaliation. As nuclear rhetoric intensifies, US envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to visit Moscow on Wednesday.