Trump Orders Nuclear Submarines Amid Russia-Ukraine Conflict Escalation

President Donald Trump has responded to provocative comments made by Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chair of the Russian Security Council, by deploying two nuclear submarines to strategic regions as a precaution against potential Russian escalation. Trump has also issued a shortened ultimatum demanding Russia cease its aggression in Ukraine within 10 days or face increased US sanctions, a move that has drawn criticism for its potential to escalate tensions. Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated that Russia's conditions for a ceasefire remain unchanged since June 2024, including Ukraine’s withdrawal from annexed territories, renunciation of NATO membership, and guarantees for Russian language and Orthodox Church rights. Putin emphasized that peace negotiations require serious, confidential discussions rather than public ultimatums and expressed willingness to wait if Ukraine is not yet ready to negotiate. Experts like Michael Clarke of King's College London have criticized Trump's ultimatums as ineffective against authoritarian leaders like Putin, suggesting sanctions must be precise and acknowledging that they can also harm those imposing them. The ongoing conflict continues to result in heavy casualties for both Russia and Ukraine, with Trump attributing the war to the Biden administration and expressing a desire to halt the bloodshed.