**Kremlin Downplays Trump’s Nuclear Submarine Move, Urges Cautious Rhetoric**
In a statement on Monday, the Kremlin reacted to US President Donald Trump’s orders to move two nuclear submarines closer to Russia, downplaying the development and urging caution in nuclear rhetoric. The move comes after Trump accused former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev of making “highly provocative” comments.
According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, American submarines were already on combat duty, and therefore, there had been no escalation. He added that it was essential for everyone involved to be “very cautious” with nuclear rhetoric. This marks the first official reaction from Moscow since Trump’s comments last Friday.
**US Envoy Set to Visit Russia**
The tension between Washington and Moscow is expected to ease slightly this week as US envoy Steve Witkoff is set to visit Russia on Wednesday, according to Russian media. The visit comes amid a deteriorating situation in Ukraine, where fighting and bloodshed continue despite three rounds of talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials.
**Escalation Over Ukraine War**
Trump’s decision to move the nuclear submarines closer to Russia was in response to Medvedev’s comments about playing an “ultimatum game” with Russia. The US president has threatened Moscow with severe tariffs targeting its oil and other exports if a ceasefire is not agreed by Friday, 8 August.
Medvedev’s remarks were made after Trump set a new deadline for Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine. Without directly referencing the spat, Peskov emphasized that Russian foreign policy was dictated by Putin alone.
**Russia-Ukraine Conflict Continues**
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has been ongoing since February 2022, with Moscow launching its full-scale invasion. Despite efforts to negotiate a peace deal, relations have deteriorated in recent months, with Trump signaling he suspects Putin may not be truly committed to ending the war.
The situation on the ground remains dire, with Russian strikes killing four people overnight Sunday into Monday and another person dying in Kherson last week. Ukrainian forces also targeted a Russian airbase in occupied Crimea, destroying one fighter jet and damaging others.
**Commentary**
The Kremlin’s downplaying of Trump’s nuclear submarine move reflects a desire to avoid further escalation in tensions between the US and Russia. However, the fact remains that the situation on the ground is increasingly dire, with fighting and bloodshed continuing in Ukraine.
As diplomatic efforts continue, it’s essential for all parties involved to exercise caution when using language related to nuclear capabilities. The stakes are high, and a miscalculation could have far-reaching consequences.
The visit by US envoy Steve Witkoff this week may provide an opportunity for both sides to engage in meaningful dialogue. However, the outcome remains uncertain, with Russia’s maximalist preconditions for peace remaining unacceptable to Ukraine and its Western partners.
