Trump’s Nuclear Posture Remarks Could Intensify Tensions in Ukraine Crisis

Former President Donald Trump’s recent use of social media to signal a shift in U.S. nuclear posture has sparked concern. On Friday, in response to provocative remarks from Russia’s ex-President Dmitri Medvedev, Trump posted on Truth Social that he had ordered two U.S. nuclear submarines to be positioned strategically, suggesting this was a response to inflammatory statements. His message was seen by many as an attempt to project strength amid ongoing tensions in Ukraine. However, experts suggest that Trump’s declaration is more performative than operational, as the U.S. maintains a fleet of 14 nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarines, with several kept on high alert at all times. These vessels can launch strikes from great distances without needing repositioning, and their current deployment likely already covers potential targets in Russia. Similarly, the U.S. operates nuclear attack submarines patrolling globally, capable of countering Russian naval assets. While Trump’s remarks did not indicate immediate changes in military readiness, they rekindled nuclear tensions and added instability to U.S.-Russia relations. Such statements risk escalating misunderstandings and undermi...