President Donald J. Trump, in his second term as Commander-in-Chief, issued a sharp warning to Moscow last week, announcing he had ordered two U.S. nuclear submarines into position near Russian waters following inflammatory remarks by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

In a Truth Social post Friday, Trump responded directly to Medvedev—now serving as Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council—calling his remarks “highly provocative.”

“I have ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions,” Trump declared, “just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that.”

Medvedev’s comments, though not detailed in the U.S. press, were evidently serious enough for President Trump to flex America’s nuclear posture—a calculated move reminiscent of his no-nonsense foreign policy style that kept adversaries in check during his first term.

On Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov brushed off Trump’s statement, attempting to appear unbothered.

“It is obvious that American submarines are already on combat duty. This is an ongoing process,” Peskov told Reuters. He added that the Kremlin “would not want to get involved in such a controversy” and called for caution around “nuclear rhetoric.”

Despite the passive tone, Moscow’s duplicity was evident. While claiming to avoid escalation, Russian lawmaker Viktor Vodolatsky issued a retaliatory warning, boasting about Russia’s nuclear capabilities:

“There are significantly more of our [nuclear] submarines in the world’s oceans,” Vodolatsky said, according to Newsweek. “They have the strongest, most powerful weapons… Let [Trump’s] two boats float. They have been at gunpoint for a long time.”

Such statements underscore the real threat posed by Russia’s aggression—not only toward Ukraine but also in its reckless saber-rattling toward the West.

Trump, who has consistently prioritized peace through strength, clarified Sunday that the submarines had reached their new positions.

“They are in the region,” Trump told USA Today. “If [Russia doesn’t agree to a deal], there’ll be sanctions.”

Yet, he acknowledged the Kremlin’s track record of sanctions evasion:

“They seem to be pretty good at avoiding sanctions. You know, they’re wily characters.”

Still, Trump remains committed to brokering peace in Ukraine.

“I want a deal to stop Russia attacking Ukraine,” he said, noting with concern the growing number of towns under missile fire.

Meanwhile, Trump envoy Steve Witkoff may travel to Moscow this week to continue diplomatic efforts. While prior attempts haven’t led to a ceasefire, Peskov welcomed the engagement:

“We are always happy to see Mr. Witkoff in Moscow,” he said, calling the talks “important, meaningful and very useful,” according to ABC News.

Notably absent in all this is any substantive movement from the Biden-era NATO bureaucracy. Once again, it’s Trump showing leadership on the world stage—balancing strength with diplomacy while liberal elites stay stuck in reactive mode.

As the geopolitical chess match continues, one fact remains clear: President Trump isn’t bluffing when it comes to defending U.S. interests or pursuing peace through power.