Tensions between the US and Russia are escalating following critical remarks by Russia's ex-president Dmitry Medvedev and a provocative response from Donald Trump involving nuclear submarines. Experts warn of the lowest point in US-Russia relations since Trump's presidency, highlighting a power struggle between Trump and Putin.
Escalating Tensions: US-Russia Power Struggle Intensifies
Escalating Tensions: US-Russia Power Struggle Intensifies
Tensions are rising between the US and Russia following Medvedev's criticism and Trump's response regarding nuclear submarines.
Russia's ex-president Dmitry Medvedev criticized Trump's increased pressure on Russia on Wednesday.
"Every new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country," wrote the ex-president on X.
On Friday evening, Trump responded on Truth Social to what he called "provocative" statements.
"I have ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned in appropriate areas, in case these foolish and incendiary statements are more than just that. Words are very important and can often lead to unintended consequences. I hope this will not be one of those cases."
Power Struggle Between the US and Russia
Experts suggest that there is an escalation in the tone between the US and Russia.
"We are definitely at the lowest point for US-Russia relations since Trump took office," says Stephen Zunes, a professor of politics at the University of San Francisco.
He believes the turn of events stems from Trump's proposal for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, which has been very pro-Russian.
"When Putin rejected the proposal, Trump was upset. He doesn't like being threatened, and I think it became personal for Trump not to get any response when he had promised peace," says Zunes.
Several experts suggest it is a kind of power struggle between Putin and Trump, and it is unclear whether the threats will become serious.
"Only One Taking Medvedev Seriously"
The fact that Putin himself is not making the statement may be because it would have been going too far, according to Stephen Zunes.
But sending nuclear submarines to what Trump describes as "appropriate areas" is nothing to worry about, according to Jakub Godzimirski, a researcher in Russian foreign and security policy at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs. He told Norway's Aftenposten that the statement is a way to put pressure on Putin.
Even from a Swedish perspective, calm is advised.
Sweden's former foreign minister Carl Bildt writes on X that "President Trump is probably the only one taking Medvedev seriously."
"He is a drunken provocateur. But playing around with nuclear submarines is dangerous," writes Bildt.