In response to provocations by former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, Donald Trump ordered the deployment of two nuclear-powered submarines. Is nuclear rivalry intensifying and deterrence reaching a new level of tension?
Keyword to start: nuclear submarines
Dmitry Medvedev’s provocative statements have shaken the world political scene, putting the security of Europe and the USA on a knife’s edge. Trump did not stay silent – he ordered the deployment of two nuclear-powered submarines in response to Russian threats.
Medvedev's Harsh Rhetoric
Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, did not mince his words in numerous statements. He criticized Western policy, threatened war with the USA and invoked apocalyptic scenarios, even referring to the legendary “Dead Hand” – the automatic nuclear retaliation system from the Cold War era.
Examples of recent statements:
- A warning of a “new world war” in response to Trump’s ultimatum concerning the conflict in Ukraine.
- Mockery of Western sanctions and an appeal not to follow the “path of Sleepy Joe”, targeting the image of the former US president.
- Vulgar attacks on European politicians during peace mediation efforts.
The Deployment Decision: A Show of Force, or Real Deterrence at Play
Trump, wanting to underline America’s readiness to defend its allies and its own interests, ordered the rapid positioning of two nuclear-powered submarines at strategic points. However, this is not merely a symbolic gesture – the appearance of such vessels is a real signal to the Kremlin that any escalation will have serious consequences.
What are nuclear-powered submarines?
Vessels of this type:
- Can remain submerged for many months
- Carry intercontinental ballistic missiles
- Form the so-called “nuclear triad”, being one of the pillars of military deterrence
Poland and the "Orka" programme
The development of Polish underwater forces, although for now it does not include nuclear-powered units, is key to:
- Protecting strategic maritime infrastructure
- Increasing the security of trade and energy routes
- Building Poland’s position as a credible partner in alliances
The Moscow-Washington confrontation increasingly resembles Cold War deterrence mechanisms. The decision to deploy nuclear-powered submarines is not only a response to words, but a practical move strengthening the security of the West. For Poland, on the other hand, it is an impulse to accelerate the modernisation of its navy and strengthen its own deterrence system.
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