In a sharp response to President Donald Trump, Russian lawmaker Viktor Vodolatsky addressed Trump’s recent plan to reposition two U.S. nuclear submarines in areas close to Russia. Vodolatsky asserted that Russia boasts a significantly larger number of submarines.
Speaking to TASS, a state-backed news outlet, the first deputy chair of the State Duma Committee on Commonwealth Affairs asserted that Russia’s fleet not only exceeds in numbers but also possesses more advanced weaponry. “We have far more of our [nuclear] submarines operating in global seas, and our arsenal is among the most powerful in the world,” he stated. “So, let Trump’s two submarines set sail; they’ve been on our radar for ages.”
Significance of the Remarks
Vodolatsky’s bold remarks came on the heels of Trump’s Friday announcement about moving the submarines near Russia, marking yet another shift in the already tense U.S.-Russia relations. Ties have been strained lately, intensified by President Vladimir Putin largely ignoring Trump’s pleas to cease military actions in Ukraine.
Despite Trump’s previous expressions of affection for Putin, recent weeks have seen their relations turn brittle, ramping up the hostilities between their nations. As both powers are outfitted with significant nuclear arsenals, the words exchanged between them pose considerable gravity.
Key Developments
On Thursday, Trump threatened to impose fresh economic sanctions if Russia does not comply with a ceasefire agreement concerning Ukraine by the upcoming Friday, August 8. This prompted a reaction from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who referred to Trump’s comments as “a perilous step towards war” on social networks.
Trump’s response followed suit swiftly after the nuclear submarine announcement. On his social media platform, Truth Social, he remarked, “I’ve ordered two nuclear submarines to the suitable regions, just in case these reckless and provocative words amount to more than mere bluster.”
Finally, it remains uncertain whether the submarines mentioned in Trump’s announcement are nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed, or both.
What Others Are Saying
Donald Trump expressed on Truth Social: “Words matter greatly and can lead to unforeseen consequences; I hope this is not one of those occasions.”
Dmitry Medvedev also chimed in on X, known previously as Twitter, similarly declaring that Trump’s ultimatum idea could lead to war, not just between Russia and Ukraine, but for the U.S. itself.
Vodolatsky added to the discussion, noting Trump’s inconsistency: “Why respond? We see who Trump really is, changing his stance in 24 hours.”
Military Drills on the Horizon
In other maritime news, on Sunday, the Russian and Chinese navies engaged in artillery and anti-submarine exercises in the Sea of Japan. It’s important to clarify that these drills were scheduled prior and are not directly linked to the exchange of words between Trump and Russian legislators.
Reports indicate that Russian forces, alongside Chinese destroyers, partook in the operations led by a Russian anti-submarine ship, as detailed by Interfax news agency.
Looking Ahead
Though Medvedev and Vodolatsky have publicly shared their thoughts, President Putin has maintained silence regarding Trump’s ultimatum or the submarine relocation. However, Putin recently commented, “Disappointment arises from unrealistic expectations, a commonly recognized principle.”
It’s hard to predict whether Trump’s submarine announcement will escalate the existing tension with Russia, but some analysts suggest that the situation may not evolve drastically since U.S. submarines are already stationed near Russian waters.
Update, 8/3/2025 9:45 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with the latest developments concerning joint naval exercises involving Russia and China.
