Does Moscow Really Have More Nuclear Subs at Sea Than the US?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Russia claims to have more nuclear subs than the US.
- Trump's deployment of subs is a direct response to Medvedev's provocations.
- Diplomatic dialogue is crucial to avoiding escalation.
- Vodolatsky advocates for a focus on negotiations between Russia and the US.
- Military posturing raises concerns about global security.
Moscow, Aug 2 (NationPress) A high-ranking Russian official has asserted that Russia currently possesses a greater number of nuclear submarines deployed across the world's oceans compared to the United States. This statement comes in direct response to remarks made by US President Donald Trump, who mentioned sending two nuclear subs to "appropriate regions" following comments from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.
Viktor Vodolatsky, the first deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration, and Relations with Compatriots, stated that the submarines Trump ordered to be repositioned "to the appropriate regions" have long been under observation. He emphasized that Moscow does not feel the need to react to the US leader's statements.
“Our [nuclear] submarines are significantly more numerous in the world’s oceans, and they carry the strongest, most powerful weapons. Therefore, let [Trump's] two boats navigate freely; they have been under threat for quite some time. We do not need to respond because we fully understand who Donald Trump is. The past months have revealed that he changes his mind every 24 hours,” Vodolatsky was quoted by the Russian state-run news agency TASS.
Trump announced his military move on Friday via his social media platform, reacting to what he termed "highly provocative statements" from Medvedev.
“In light of the highly provocative remarks by former President of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, currently the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, I have ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned in appropriate regions, in case these reckless statements escalate beyond mere words. Words are significant and can lead to unintended outcomes; I hope this will not be one of those situations. Thank you for your attention,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
Trump did not specify which submarines were being deployed or their exact locations.
In response, Vodolatsky argued it would be more prudent for the US to concentrate on ongoing diplomatic efforts, including the establishment of Russian-American negotiation teams and reciprocal visits between delegations from both nations.
“Moreover, we should focus on drafting a fundamental agreement between Russia and America to ensure global tranquility and prevent discussions about the potential for World War III,” he added.
The exchange was ignited when Medvedev, now serving as the deputy chair of Russia's National Security Council, posted on X earlier in the week in English, stating that Trump’s “every new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war” between the US and Russia.
Medvedev's comments were prompted by Trump reducing the timeline for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine from 50 days to just 10, a deadline that is set to expire next week.
“Trump is engaging in an ultimatum game with Russia: 50 days or 10… He should keep in mind two critical points: 1. Russia is neither Israel nor Iran. 2. Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step toward war—not just between Russia and Ukraine, but within his own country. Avoid the path of Sleepy Joe!” Medvedev tweeted.
Additionally, on Thursday, he reacted to Trump’s comments about the Russian economy, cautioning the American leader to remember the peril of the "dead."
“Regarding the 'dead economy' of India and Russia and 'entering dangerous territory'—he should reflect on his favorite movies about the undead and the risks posed by a nonexistent 'dead hand,'” Medvedev added.