Overview

• President Trump ordered two nuclear submarines repositioned to “appropriate regions” last Friday in response to what he deemed provocations by Dmitry Medvedev.
• Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said US subs are always on alert and confirmed that Russia’s readiness levels have not changed.
• Peskov stressed that only President Vladimir Putin has the authority to alter Russia’s foreign or nuclear policy.
• Deputy Security Council chief Dmitry Medvedev has intensified his hawkish messaging by invoking Russia’s automated “Dead Hand” nuclear retaliation system on Telegram.
• The exchange highlights intensifying US–Russia brinkmanship over Ukraine, with ultimatum diplomacy and military posturing colliding with Moscow’s internal messaging hierarchy.