The war of words between US President Donald Trump and Dmitry Medvedev, a close ally of Vladimir Putin, escalated on Friday evening. The American leader announced on Truth Social that he had ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned "in appropriate regions" in light of "foolish and inflammatory statements" coming from Russia.
He wrote: "Based on the highly provocative statements of the Former President of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, who is now the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, I have ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that. Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
It comes after Medvedev warned Mr Trump to remember Russia has Soviet-era nuclear strike capabilities of last resort. That came after Mr Trump told Medvedev to "watch his words".
In a post on his Truth Social network in the early hours of Thursday, the US leader directed sharp criticism at Medvedev after the former Russian presdient said Mr Trump's threat to hit Russia and buyers of its oil with punitive tariffs was "a game of ultimatums". He said it took the two countries a step closer towards war.
Mr Trump wrote: "Tell Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who thinks he’s still President, to watch his words. He’s entering very dangerous territory!"
The US leader said on Tuesday (July 29) Russia had "10 days" to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine or it would be hit with tariffs along with those who buy its oil.
At the time of writing, Moscow has not not indicated whether it will comply with Washington's deadline.