"Based on the highly provocative statements of the former president of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev ... 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 wrote in a social media post.
He added: "Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences. I hope this will not be one of those instances."
The move follows an escalation in rhetoric between Trump and Medvedev, who now serves as deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council.
On Tuesday, Trump gave Russia “10 days” to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine or face new tariffs—along with any countries that continue buying Russian oil.
Medvedev on Thursday said Trump should remember that Moscow possessed Soviet-era nuclear strike capabilities of last resort, after Trump told Medvedev to "watch his words," according to a report by the Reuters news agency.
(gs)
Source: Reuters, IAR, PAP