Dmitry Medvedev, the Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, had a particularly fire and brimstone warning Thursday for former U.S. President Donald Trump. He pointed to the rising conflict between Russia and the US. Medvedev’s comments came in response to Trump’s order to move two nuclear subs. In a rather unique way for an American President, Trump called this action necessary to counter Medvedev’s “foolish and inflammatory statements.” This unfortunate exchange reflects the growing pressure in U.S.-Russia relations during the now-year-old war in Ukraine.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Medvedev criticized Trump’s approach, stating, “Trump’s playing the ultimatum game with Russia: 50 days or 10… He should remember two things.” He elaborated that “Russia isn’t Israel or even Iran,” suggesting that Trump’s tactics may not yield the desired results with Russia. Medvedev’s message was even more chilling. The second one, issued on March 15, told Trump’s surprise about Ukraine’s negotiations with Russia, calling each new ultimatum “a threat and a step towards war.”
Dmitry Medvedev’s⁵ visit to a meeting of the Youth Innovation Center at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna, Russia, June 13, 2024. This remarkable event provides the stage for our discussion. At this particular meeting, he really emphasized just how serious things were. He continued, “The conflict is not just between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own nation,” referring to President Joe Biden.
Medvedev’s remarks were interpreted by many as a nuclear threat and Trump’s reaction was equally immediate, highlighting the importance of careful diplomacy with incendiary language. He noted that some choice words from a past Russian head of state were enough to elicit a panicked response out of today’s US leader. Combined, this makes it clear that Russia has no shame, nor doubt, and will make no turn from its present path. It’s pretty clear why Trump specifically went on to say, “This is dangerous,” that words really matter, sometimes often causing unintended consequences. I pray that this doesn’t turn out to be one of those cases.
Trump’s statement regarding the deployment of nuclear submarines was clear: “Based on the highly provocative statements of Dmitry Medvedev… I have ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions.” This decision is viewed as a direct response to Medvedev’s threats of Russia’s escalating military capabilities and ambitions.
Medvedev wasn’t afraid to call Trump out on his fire and fury threats. He referred to Trump as “the failed former President of Russia.” He further cautioned Trump to “be careful what you say,” adding that he’s “going into extremely, extremely risky territory!”
In your thread of comments, Medvedev focused attention on Russia’s “Dead Hand” system. This is the system that can automatically trigger nuclear strikes in retaliation for an attack on Russia. He urged Trump to re-evaluate his position on the “deaths door economies. He suggested that employing such provocative and dismissive language—as coming from the WH or Kiev—would lead to dangerous escalation.