On July 28, Russia’s Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev responded in his usual provocative tone to U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand for a ceasefire in Ukraine within ten days. He rejected the ultimatum and effectively threatened the United States with direct military conflict. In response, Trump warned Medvedev to “watch his words.” The former Russian president then referenced the existence of the “Dead Hand” system—an automatic nuclear retaliation mechanism. Now, the U.S. president says he has deployed two nuclear submarines “to the appropriate regions.”
Timeline of Statements by Medvedev and Trump
July 28, 2025
Trump Gives Russia Ten Days to Cease Fire
U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters that Russia had “10 or 12 days” to sign a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine. The next day, he clarified that the countdown began “today”—setting a hard ten-day deadline. Trump warned that if no deal was reached within that time, Washington would impose tariffs and other pressure measures. “I don’t know if that will influence Russia, because he clearly wants to keep fighting,” he added, referring to Vladimir Putin.
It was Trump’s second warning this month: on July 14, he said Moscow had 50 days—until September 2—to stop the war. At the time, he admitted to being “disappointed in Putin” and threatened 100% tariffs on trade with both Russia and its allies.
July 28, 2025
Medvedev Threatens Trump with U.S.–Russia War
“Trump is playing a dangerous game of ultimatums with Russia—first 50 days, now 10. He should remember two things. First, Russia is not Israel and not even Iran. Second, every new ultimatum isn’t just diplomatic pressure, it’s a step toward escalation—toward a direct confrontation not with Ukraine but with the United States. Better not repeat ‘Sleepy Joe’s’ path—it’s already brought the world far enough.”
July 30, 2025
Trump Imposes Additional Tariffs on Trade with India
“Remember: India is our friend, but in reality our trade has been extremely limited for years—because of some of the highest tariffs in the world and extremely harsh, unfriendly non-tariff barriers. Plus, they consistently buy most of their weapons from Russia and are one of the biggest buyers of Russian oil and gas alongside China—while the rest of the world demands that Moscow stop the killing in Ukraine. That’s unacceptable. So starting August 1, India will face a 25% tariff plus a penalty—for all of the above. Thank you. MAGA!”
July 31, 2025
Trump Tells Medvedev to “Watch His Words”
“I don’t care what India does with Russia. Let them wreck their dying economies—that’s their business, not ours. We barely trade with India: their tariffs are among the highest in the world, so there’s little business. It’s the same with Russia—economic ties are almost gone, and that’s fine by me. And as for Medvedev—the failed ex-president who still imagines himself a head of state—tell him: watch your words. He’s stepping into dangerous territory.”
July 31, 2025
Medvedev Threatens Trump with the “Dead Hand”
“As for the ‘dead economies’ of India and Russia and the ‘dangerous territory’—well, let him recall his favorite zombie flicks and how deadly a so-called ‘Dead Hand’ can be, even if it’s just a myth.”
August 1, 2025
Trump Responds by Deploying Submarines
“In response to the extremely provocative remarks by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, I ordered two nuclear submarines to be deployed to the appropriate regions—in case these reckless and aggressive statements turn out to be more than just words. Words matter: they often lead to unpredictable consequences, and I hope this time they don’t. Thank you.”
August 1, 2025
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham Issues a Statement
“To my friends in Russia: President Trump seeks peace, not conflict. But please understand—he’s not Obama, and he’s not Biden. He’s not someone to mess with. You’ve gone too far.”
August 2, 2025
U.S. Submarines Move Closer to Russia
Trump told reporters that two U.S. nuclear submarines “have moved closer to Russia,” and explained his decision as follows:
“The former president of Russia, who now holds a top post in their power structure—Medvedev—made extremely dangerous remarks. He spoke of nuclear weapons. And when someone starts talking about nuclear weapons, I light up. I say, ‘We’d better stay sharp, because this is the most serious threat there is.’”
According to Trump, Medvedev should not have made such statements. “His mouth is way too loose. He’s done this before. And we need to always be ready. That’s why I sent those submarines to the region. I just want to make sure it really was only talk—nothing more.”
August 3, 2025
Trump Confirms U.S. Submarines Have Arrived “Where They’re Supposed to Be”
Donald Trump stated that the two nuclear submarines he ordered “closer to Russia” have reached their designated positions. “I already made the announcement, and the answer is: they are in the region where they’re supposed to be,” the U.S. president said.
August 4, 2025
Russia Downplays U.S. Submarine Maneuver, Urges Caution in Nuclear Rhetoric
Moscow called for restraint in nuclear-related statements following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement about the deployment of American nuclear submarines. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov sought to downplay the move, emphasizing: “Everyone should be very, very careful when it comes to nuclear rhetoric.”