WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump said Friday he has ordered two U.S. nuclear submarines to be deployed “to the appropriate regions” following what he called “highly provocative statements” from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

In a social media post, Trump said the move was precautionary, adding, “Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances.”

Speaking to reporters before departing the White House for his Bedminster Golf Club in New Jersey, Trump said, “A threat was made by a former President of Russia (Medvedev), and we are going to protect our people.”

Medvedev, now deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, lashed out at Trump on Monday, warning that U.S. pressure on the Kremlin over the war in Ukraine risked escalating into a wider conflict between Washington and Moscow. On X, Medvedev wrote, “50 days or 10 ... He should remember 2 things: 1. Russia isn’t Israel or even Iran. 2. Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country. Don’t go down the Sleepy Joe road!”

He escalated his remarks in a separate Telegram post, invoking the Soviet-era “Dead Hand” nuclear system — an automated launch mechanism designed to retaliate if the country’s leadership were incapacitated. The system is widely believed to remain operational. — Agencies