⚓ U.S. Increases Pressure on Kremlin: Trump Confirms Submarine Deployment and Issues Ultimatum

Washington, August 4, 2025 — U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that American nuclear submarines have been deployed “where they are supposed to be,” describing the move as a direct response to recent inflammatory statements by Dmitry Medvedev and ongoing instability surrounding Ukraine. According to Trump, this action is a “warning” amid the risk of further conflict escalation.

The U.S. has not moved the submarines into the Black Sea, complying with the Montreux Convention, which prohibits non-Black Sea countries from deploying heavy warships there without Turkey’s permission. Instead, the submarines are positioned in international waters along routine U.S. patrol routes.

Military analysts note that this step does not shift the strategic balance, as the U.S. already maintains regular submarine patrols near the region. However, the key factor this time is the political signal it sends. Trump emphasized that if a ceasefire in Ukraine is not reached by August 8, the U.S. will impose new sanctions on Russia, including secondary measures against countries continuing to trade with its energy sector. He made this announcement during a briefing at the White House.

Simultaneously, Trump is sending his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, to Moscow for negotiations scheduled for August 6 or 7. The expected focus is de-escalation and identifying conditions for a ceasefire. The U.S. has not ruled out extending the deadline if tangible progress is made.

Meanwhile, Russia and China are conducting joint naval drills in the Sea of Japan, involving submarines, missile destroyers, and aircraft. Experts interpret this as a show of coordinated resistance to growing international pressure.

📊 What Do These U.S. Moves Mean?

• The U.S. Navy operates 14 Ohio-class nuclear submarines, each capable of carrying up to 24 Trident II ballistic missiles. As many as 10 are actively deployed at any time.
• The potential sanctions could block financial transactions involving Russian oil, targeting major buyers such as India and China, which would disrupt global energy flows.

🔍 Context and Outlook

Trump’s approach blends military signaling with hardline diplomacy. According to the White House, the goal is not provocation, but deterrence. In light of Medvedev’s open threats of potential nuclear use, Washington aims to show readiness for any scenario—while offering Moscow a diplomatic off-ramp.

Scenario	Potential Outcome
Ceasefire by August 8	Sanctions postponed, diplomacy via Witkoff continues.
Ultimatum ignored	U.S. imposes sanctions, economic pressure increases.
Russian countermeasures	Military exercises escalate, alignment with China deepens.

As of today, August 4, 2025, the U.S. strategy hinges on combining credible military presence with focused diplomacy. The outcome of this dual-track approach will likely be determined in the coming days.