"I made the statement and the answer is they're in the area. Yes, they're where they need to be," President Donald Trump said on 3/8, when asked if the American nuclear submarines had been deployed as he previously stated.
Russian officials haven't commented on the information.
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President Donald Trump in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on 3/8. Photo: AP |
President Donald Trump in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on 3/8. Photo: AP
On 1/8, Trump announced the deployment of nuclear submarines to the appropriate area in response to what he called "highly provocative" statements from Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev, and as a precaution in case "these inflammatory statements are more than just words."
The American president didn't specify whether the two submarines were equipped with nuclear weapons, nor did he define the "appropriate area." All submarines currently in service with the American military are nuclear-powered, but not all are equipped with nuclear weapons.
The Pentagon hasn't commented on the information. The operations and routes of nuclear submarines are always kept secret by the American military, as they need to remain hidden to maintain their deterrent capability and readiness for a preemptive strike.
Trump has repeatedly clashed with Medvedev and even warned the Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman to "be careful with his words." "Russia and the US barely cooperate. Let's keep it that way and tell Mr. Medvedev to watch his words. He's entering dangerous territory," the American president said.
The Washington-Moscow relationship is increasingly strained, with Trump repeatedly warning of sanctions if Russia doesn't reach a ceasefire agreement in Ukraine before 8/8. The president also announced that special envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Russia on 6-7/8, ahead of the ultimatum deadline.
Ngoc Anh (Theo Hill, USA Today, AP)
