Former US President Donald Trump has stirred international concern by reportedly ordering the deployment of two nuclear submarines near Russia. This decision follows provocative and aggressive remarks from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.
US News: The world once again finds itself under the shadow of nuclear weapons. This time, the focus is on former US President Donald Trump, who recently adopted a highly aggressive stance against Russia, claiming to have deployed two nuclear submarines. Trump's move follows a warning from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who reminded the US of Russia's nuclear capabilities.
Trump's statement has caused a stir internationally. Experts are calling it an irresponsible and provocative statement that could escalate tensions between Moscow and Washington to new heights.
Trump's Statement: Threat to End War in 10 Days
Donald Trump had previously threatened Russia to end the war in 10 days, which Russia flatly rejected. In response, Medvedev mocked Trump's threat and warned that issuing ultimatums only brings war closer. Following this, Trump claimed to have sent two nuclear submarines near Russia.
However, the US Navy and the Pentagon have not confirmed this deployment and, according to Reuters, have declined to comment on the matter. Under US defense strategy, information about the deployment of nuclear submarines is kept confidential.
What are Nuclear Submarines?
Most of America's military submarines are nuclear-powered, and many are equipped with nuclear weapons. The most distinctive feature of these submarines is that they can be deployed secretly anywhere, making them the most dangerous and unpredictable weapon for the enemy. Nuclear submarines are part of the American nuclear triad — the three-tiered system that operates America's nuclear capability from land, air, and sea.
How Many and How Powerful are These Submarines in the US Arsenal?
The United States has a total of 14 Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs). These submarines are considered the backbone of the US Navy's strategic force.
- An Ohio-class submarine can carry 24 Trident-II D5 ballistic missiles.
- Each Trident missile has a range of approximately 7,400 kilometers, meaning that this submarine can launch a precise attack within enemy territory without revealing its location.
- These missiles are equipped with MIRV (Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicle) technology, allowing a single missile to strike multiple targets simultaneously.
- A Trident missile can carry up to 8 thermonuclear warheads, each with a yield of 100 to 475 kilotons. For comparison — the bomb dropped on Hiroshima had a yield of only 15 kilotons.
This makes it clear that America's nuclear submarines have the capability to destroy multiple cities simultaneously.
What Do Experts Say?
Defense and arms control experts consider Trump's statement dangerous. Daryl Kimball, Executive Director of the Arms Control Association, said, "No leader should threaten nuclear war, especially not in a childish manner on social media." This is a very dangerous sign for global peace.
It is true that the presence of US nuclear submarines is meant to maintain a peaceful balance (Deterrence), not to be used for open warfare. Russia has taken Trump's threats seriously and issued a response. Medvedev made it clear that Russia is not Israel or Iran, and every ultimatum sows the seeds of a new war. This tension is not only between Russia and the US but also signals the beginning of a new Cold War on a global scale.
