Related videos:
The tension between the United States and Russia reached a new critical point this Monday, after the Kremlin publicly warned about the dangers of a nuclear confrontation, in response to the deployment of two U.S. nuclear submarines ordered by President Donald Trump.
"In a nuclear war, there are no winners," stated Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov during his regular telephone press conference, according to the EFE agency.
The statement comes after Trump announced the deployment of strategic submarines to areas near Russia as a deterrent following the incendiary comments on Telegram from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev (2008-2012), who warned of a possible conflict between the two powers.
Trump deploys nuclear force in response to Medvedev
The U.S. president ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines "to the respective regions," after deeming the warnings from Medvédev, the current vice president of the Russian Security Council, as "provocative and irresponsible."
Through his network Truth Social, Trump stated: "Words are very important and can have unforeseen consequences; I hope this is not one of those cases."
The U.S. reaction came after Medvedev harshly criticized Washington's ultimatum for Moscow to stop its war against Ukraine. "Trump is playing the ultimatum game with Russia."
"Each new ultimatum is a step toward war," wrote Medvédev, who also referred to the Russian nuclear system "Perímetro," known as the "dead hand," which would be activated in the event of a massive attack that destabilizes Russian control over its atomic arsenal.
The Kremlin calls for moderation but defends Medvédev
Although the Kremlin attempted to downplay the escalation by calling it "undesired," it also supported Medvédev in his statements, reminding that "there are different voices in any government," while making it clear that "Russia's foreign policy is exclusively defined by President Vladímir Putin."
Peskov urged to "be extremely cautious with nuclear rhetoric," reminding that U.S. nuclear submarines are "always on alert" and that, for the moment, no real escalation is perceived between the two countries.
Risk of conflict and the return of Cold War rhetoric
Russia's warning, which in the past threatened nuclear war, reflects a troubling return to Cold War rhetoric, where military displays and veiled threats were part of a strategy of mutual pressure.
Tensions between Moscow and Washington, rather than easing, are worsening following diplomatic failures to halt the war in Ukraine and the tightening of sanctions by the White House.
While Trump sets deadlines and threats against Putin to stop the invasion, Russia reaffirms its defense doctrine and showcases its strategic capabilities, including the automated nuclear retaliation system.
Frequently asked questions about the nuclear tension between the United States and Russia
Why is Russia warning about the risks of a nuclear war?
Russia warned about the risks of a nuclear war in response to the deployment of two U.S. nuclear submarines near its borders, ordered by President Donald Trump. This action was a reaction to the incendiary statements made by Dmitri Medvédev, the former Russian leader, who spoke about the possibility of a conflict between the two powers.
What has been Donald Trump's reaction to Medvédev's statements?
The president Donald Trump reacted to Medvédev's statements ordering the deployment of nuclear submarines in "corresponding regions" near Russia. Trump described Medvédev's words as "provocative and irresponsible" and emphasized the importance of being careful with words, as they can have unforeseen consequences.
How has the Kremlin responded to the actions of the United States?
The Kremlin has called for moderation, attempting to lower the tone of the escalation and describing it as "undesirable." However, it has supported Medvédev's statements, despite his aggressive rhetoric. Spokesman Dmitri Peskov stated that Russian foreign policy is defined solely by President Vladimir Putin and emphasized the importance of being careful with nuclear rhetoric.
What implications does the return of Cold War rhetoric have?
The return of Cold War language implies a strategy of mutual pressure through military deployments and veiled threats, which increases the risk of conflict. Tensions between Moscow and Washington are exacerbated by diplomatic failures to halt the war in Ukraine and the tightening of sanctions by the White House.
Filed under: