In an incendiary announcement on August 1, US President Donald Trump revealed on social media that he had ordered two nuclear submarines to move closer to Russian territory, allegedly in response to what he called “highly provocative” remarks by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. The Kremlin, through spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, quickly distanced President Vladimir Putin from Medvedev’s language.

This development marks a new and dangerous chapter in US-Russia tensions — one that even arch-hawk John Bolton matter-of-factly described as “very risky business”. Suffice to say, when even Bolton sounds the alarm, the risk is real enough.

The situation is all the more volatile due to the nature of Trump’s announcement. He posted it on Truth Social — thereby bypassing official communication channels and protocols — claiming his nuclear submarines were already “in position.” While some speculated he was bluffing, a Navy expert has confirmed such a deployment is plausible, describing the move as “unusual” but “clever,” precisely because it is not publicly verifiable. Still, no wonder critics were quick to remind us that “moving nuclear subs isn’t something you announce on social media”.

Indeed, as a Wall Street Journal headline warned, “rash words can be risky in the nuclear era”. Trump’s impulsive online provocation reflects not only recklessness but a deeper crisis in the strategic culture of the US........

© Blitz