Nuclear Submarines Deployed Amidst Rising US-Russia Tensions

The Russian submarine Dmitry Donskoy, the world's largest in active service, arrived at the Kronstadt Navy base near Saint Petersburg on July 26, 2017, to participate in the Naval Military Parade.

Military drills, described as defensive in nature and not aimed at other nations, were scheduled to take place from August 1 to 5.

In a separate development, US President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines. This action followed an online exchange with a Russian official concerning Ukraine and tariffs. Trump and Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of Russia's security council, had been engaged in a social media dispute.

Trump's post on his platform escalated the online dispute into the realm of nuclear forces. He stated that he had ordered the deployment of the submarines "just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that." He emphasized the importance of words and the potential for unintended consequences.

Trump did not specify whether the submarines were nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed, nor did he reveal their deployment locations, which are typically kept secret. However, in an interview, he mentioned the submarines were "closer to Russia." He stated his intention was to ensure that the Russian official's words remained just that.

Trump's comments coincided with Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement that Russia had begun mass production of its hypersonic nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile, with potential deployment to Belarus by the end of the year.

This nuclear posturing occurred as Trump had set a deadline for Russia to take steps to end the Ukraine war or face new sanctions. Despite the pressure, Russia's military actions in Ukraine continued. An analysis indicated that Russian forces had launched a record number of drones at Ukraine in July.