Overview

• President Trump has ordered two US Navy nuclear submarines into readiness closer to Russian waters following provocations by Dmitri Medvedev.
• Details on the submarines’ propulsion, armament and exact locations remain classified, with the Pentagon declining to specify further.
• Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskow described the move as an emotional reaction and asserted it poses no immediate risk of nuclear escalation.
• Washington’s ten-day ultimatum for Moscow to agree to a Ukraine ceasefire expires on August 8 under threat of sweeping sanctions.
• Special envoy Steve Witkoff is en route to Moscow and may meet President Putin to negotiate terms before the deadline.