'Won't Betray Russia': Vucic Defends Neutral Stance, Rejects Arms Supply To Ukraine
Read More
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Time of India
All eyes on Putin's voice Medvedev as Trump sends nuclear subs to Russia - is a tense standoff on the cards?
Trump sends U.S. nuclear submarines toward Russia after Medvedev's threats escalate Ukraine war tensions- In a dramatic show of force, President Donald Trump announced the deployment of two U.S. nuclear submarines in response to what he called 'highly provocative statements' made by Dmitry Medvedev, Russia's former president and current Deputy Chair of its Security Council. The move has reignited fears of nuclear escalation amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, drawing global attention and raising critical concerns over national security, diplomacy, and the fragility of deterrence strategies in the nuclear age. Trump orders nuclear submarines repositioned to counter Russia's nuclear threats On August 1, 2025, President Trump took to Truth Social to announce that two nuclear submarines had been repositioned to strategic locations near Russia. The decision followed a fiery statement by Dmitry Medvedev, who warned of worsening conflict and invoked Cold War-era nuclear rhetoric, referencing Russia's 'Dead Hand' automatic retaliation system—an ominous legacy from Soviet times designed to launch nuclear weapons even if leadership is destroyed. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category others Operations Management Technology Management Data Analytics Leadership Digital Marketing Data Science Product Management Finance Healthcare Project Management PGDM Public Policy Data Science MCA Design Thinking Artificial Intelligence MBA healthcare Others CXO Cybersecurity Degree Skills you'll gain: Duration: 16 Weeks Indian School of Business CERT - ISB Cybersecurity for Leaders Program India Starts on undefined Get Details Trump's post read: 'Based on the highly provocative statements of the Former President of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, including threats involving nuclear weapons and the Dead Hand system, I have ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in strategic locations—just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that.' This marked one of the rare moments in modern history where the location of U.S. nuclear assets—typically classified—was referenced publicly by a sitting president. Why Trump's move is making headlines around the world What makes this announcement particularly shocking is not just its timing but also its method of communication and its strategic implications. Military experts, nuclear watchdogs, and diplomatic analysts all agree: U.S. nuclear submarine movements are never disclosed publicly for security and deterrence reasons. By confirming such a repositioning, even vaguely, Trump broke with decades of silent doctrine. Live Events Additionally, the escalation comes at a time when tensions in Eastern Europe are boiling over, with Ukraine fighting to hold off renewed Russian advances near Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia. Trump's warning was widely seen as a way to assert American military dominance and issue a direct warning to the Kremlin. What Medvedev said that triggered Trump's nuclear response Trump's nuclear posture was triggered by an explosive online tirade from Dmitry Medvedev, who dismissed Trump's recent 10-day ultimatum to Russia as "childish," while warning that 'the next phase of this war could go nuclear.' He doubled down by invoking Russia's Cold War-era "Dead Hand" system—an automatic launch mechanism that activates nuclear missiles if Russian leadership is incapacitated in a first strike. In his statements, Medvedev called the United States 'arrogant and delusional,' and accused Trump of 'fantasy politics,' further escalating the diplomatic clash. The Kremlin has not officially endorsed Medvedev's remarks, but analysts believe his comments often reflect deeper currents in Moscow's security and defense circles. Understanding the strategic role of U.S. Ohio-class nuclear submarines President Trump's mention of repositioning nuclear submarines likely refers to Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs)—the cornerstone of America's nuclear triad. These stealth vessels are armed with Trident II D-5 missiles and are designed to remain hidden under the oceans, serving as a second-strike capability in case of nuclear attack. According to Hans Kristensen, Director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists, these submarines already operate globally, and no 'special deployment' may have occurred. 'The subs are always out there… they don't need to be moved into position. This is more about signaling than strategy,' Kristensen explained in a Reuters interview. Experts criticize Trump's nuclear threats on social media International security experts and arms control advocates have strongly criticized President Trump's public rhetoric, warning it could set a dangerous precedent. Daryl Kimball, Executive Director of the Arms Control Association, said: 'No leader should be threatening nuclear war in such a juvenile manner, especially on social media. Strategic ambiguity is key to deterrence, and this move erodes that.' Evelyn Farkas, former Pentagon official and now Director at the McCain Institute, said Trump's announcement is part of a larger geopolitical chess game aimed more at intimidating than initiating war: 'This isn't about an imminent nuclear strike. It's signaling. It's the equivalent of flipping the high beams to get someone's attention.' The bigger picture: Trump's 10-day Ukraine ultimatum and global fallout Just days before ordering the submarine repositioning, Trump issued a 10-day ultimatum demanding that Russia halt its aggression in Ukraine or face sweeping economic sanctions, including potential secondary sanctions on countries supporting Russia—such as India and China. This hardline stance marks a notable shift in Trump's foreign policy tone. Once seen as less confrontational with Putin, Trump has now branded Russia's war tactics as 'disgusting and cowardly,' calling for a 'global economic blockade' against Moscow if hostilities continue past August 8, 2025. This deadline has now become a focal point in international diplomacy, with global markets reacting and NATO allies bracing for potential escalations. Is this nuclear posturing or a real shift in defense strategy? While President Trump's public comments suggest immediate action, most experts agree that this is not a sudden strategic change. The U.S. Navy does not typically confirm or deny submarine movements, but it's widely understood that the Ohio-class fleet is always on silent patrol. Trump's language, however, is seen as a break from traditional nuclear protocol, with potentially serious consequences. Publicly referencing the use or movement of nuclear-capable forces can undermine deterrence and provoke unintended escalation, especially when adversaries feel the need to respond in kind. How other countries are reacting to Trump's submarine order Global reactions have been swift. European allies in NATO have urged restraint, with Germany and France calling for de-escalation. Meanwhile, Russia's Foreign Ministry accused Trump of 'reckless provocation,' warning of 'unpredictable consequences.' China, which has maintained a neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict, expressed 'grave concern' over the rhetoric from both the U.S. and Russia, calling for 'measured dialogue.' India, which Trump recently targeted with tariff threats if it continues trading with Moscow, has yet to make an official statement, but analysts expect it to tread carefully given its strategic partnerships with both Washington and Moscow. A dangerous moment in modern geopolitics President Trump's nuclear submarine announcement has undeniably raised the stakes in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, showing that the U.S. is willing to flex its military muscle in unconventional ways. Whether this move is a serious strategic step or a high-stakes political message remains to be seen—but what's clear is that the world has entered a new, uncertain phase of nuclear diplomacy. The coming days—especially as the August 8 deadline approaches—will be critical in determining whether these threats are the beginning of deeper confrontation or a calculated bluff in a tense geopolitical standoff. FAQs: Q1: Why did Trump send nuclear submarines toward Russia? Trump acted after Medvedev's nuclear threat and Russia's warnings escalated during the Ukraine war. Q2: What is Russia's 'Dead Hand' system mentioned by Medvedev? It's an old Cold War nuclear system that automatically launches missiles if Russia is attacked.
India.com
11 hours ago
- India.com
BIG twist in Russia-Ukraine war as Russia's Oreshnik hypersonic prepped for deployment; Putin threatens NATO, says missile will be deployed in...
(File) Russia-Ukraine war: In a major development that could decide the fate of the Russia-Ukraine war, Moscow has announced that its Oreshnik hypersonic missile is now ready for deployment, with Russian President Vladimir Putin stating that Russia plans to deploy the advanced missile in Belarus before the end of the year. What did Putin say? 'Preparation is going on and we will probably complete it (deployment of Oreshnik missiles) before the end of the year),' Putin said in Valaam island near St. Petersburg, with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko by his side. The Russian president said the Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile has officially inducted into the Russian Army and its deployment sites in Belarus have already been identified. How powerful is Russia's Oreshnik hypersonic missile? The Oreshnik hypersonic missile is a medium-range ballistic missile capable of travelling at speeds of up to Mach 10 (12348 km/h or 10 times the speed of sound), making it highly difficult to track and intercept even for the most advanced air defense systems used by Moscow's rivals, such as US' THAAD. The advanced missile can carry both conventional as well as nuclear warheads, and gives Russia the capability to target any country in Europe, even as many experts claim the new missile is just a reskinned version of Russia's own Rubezh-26 missile. Why Russia's new missile is threat for Europe? The Russian President also issued a warning to NATO countries, threatening to use the Oreshnik missile against them if the supply of long-range weapons to Ukraine is not halted. 'We are warning the West. If Kiev uses NATO-supplied missiles to attack Russia, we will respond even outside Ukraine using systems like Oreshnik,' Putin warned. Putin claimed that Russian missiles cannot be stopped by Western missile defenses, and asserted that his country has an arsenal of powerful weaponry that even their use in a conventional attack would be as devastating as a nuclear attack.
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Time of India
After Trump sends nuclear subs near Russia, Putin responds with hypersonic threat — what Oreshnik missiles can do
Russia's new Oreshnik hypersonic missile has officially entered serial production and is set to be deployed in Belarus by the end of 2025, according to a bold announcement by President Vladimir Putin. This move signals a significant shift in Russia's military posture and heightens fears among NATO allies amid already escalating global tensions. As the Ukraine war rages into its fourth year and with Western nations boosting military support for Kyiv, Russia's hypersonic arsenal could tip the balance of power in Eastern Europe. Putin confirms Oreshnik hypersonic missile is ready for deployment In a televised address on August 1, 2025, President Vladimir Putin declared that Russia's long-awaited Oreshnik hypersonic missile is no longer just a prototype. The missile, which Russia claims can travel at speeds of Mach 10, is now officially in serial production and considered militarily operational. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category MBA Data Analytics Data Science others Artificial Intelligence MCA Degree Operations Management Finance Management Others Product Management Public Policy Healthcare healthcare Technology Design Thinking CXO Leadership Cybersecurity Digital Marketing PGDM Data Science Project Management Skills you'll gain: Analytical Skills Financial Literacy Leadership and Management Skills Strategic Thinking Duration: 24 Months Vellore Institute of Technology VIT Online MBA Starts on Aug 14, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Financial Management Team Leadership & Collaboration Financial Reporting & Analysis Advocacy Strategies for Leadership Duration: 18 Months UMass Global Master of Business Administration (MBA) Starts on May 13, 2024 Get Details ALSO READ: World War III fears grow as Trump sends nuclear submarines toward Russia — fires back at Putin crony's bold threat Putin emphasized that several missile units have already been handed over to the Strategic Missile Forces, and preparations for the missile's deployment in Belarus are underway. The announcement marks a major step in Russia's military buildup and a direct challenge to NATO, particularly as Belarus borders several alliance member states. What is the Oreshnik missile and why is it a global game-changer? The Oreshnik missile, named after the Russian word for 'hazel tree,' is a hypersonic ballistic missile derived from the RS-26 Rubezh ICBM platform. Russian officials claim the missile is capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 10 (nearly 3,400 m/s) and is able to evade most current missile defense systems due to its high speed, unpredictable trajectory, and potential to carry multiple warheads. Live Events ALSO READ: Putin's bodyguard spotted with secret anti-drone weapon — is this Russia's new shield? Unlike conventional missiles, the Oreshnik's maneuverable reentry vehicle (MaRV) allows it to shift direction mid-flight, making it nearly impossible for U.S. or NATO missile defense systems to intercept. It's designed to carry either conventional explosives or nuclear warheads, giving Russia enormous flexibility in both tactical and strategic military planning. Key specifications of Russia's Oreshnik hypersonic missile Feature Details Type Hypersonic Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) Speed Up to Mach 10 (~12,000 km/h) Range 3,400–5,500 km Warhead Conventional or nuclear (with MIRV capability) Launch Platform Road-mobile or silo-based First Use Tested in Ukraine (November 2024, non-nuclear warhead) Deployment Scheduled in Belarus by end of 2025 Hypersonic weapons shift the global military balance Putin's announcement isn't just a show of technological might—it's also a powerful geopolitical signal. Hypersonic weapons are quickly becoming one of the most sought-after military technologies in the world. With the Oreshnik entering full service, Russia joins an elite club of nations capable of deploying next-generation missile systems that can potentially bypass all existing Western defenses. Western military analysts have long warned that hypersonic missiles could undermine the balance of power, particularly if deployed in forward locations like Belarus, which is only a few hundred kilometers from major NATO capitals such as Warsaw, Vilnius, and Riga. Belarus becomes a launchpad for Russian hypersonic threats The decision to station Oreshnik missiles in Belarus—a staunch Russian ally—raises serious concerns for NATO. Belarus is located at the doorstep of the European Union and shares borders with Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania, all NATO member states. Putin confirmed that deployment sites in Belarus have already been selected, and construction work is progressing rapidly. The first missiles are expected to be in position before the end of the year, dramatically shrinking the warning time for any NATO defense systems in the region. This comes after Russia formally extended its nuclear umbrella to cover Belarus in 2024, a move that effectively treats any attack on Belarus as an attack on Russian soil. With hypersonic weapons now joining that defensive perimeter, the strategic landscape in Eastern Europe may be changed for years to come. Western experts split on the true capabilities of Oreshnik While Russia touts the Oreshnik as unstoppable and revolutionary, not all defense analysts are convinced. Some Western experts believe the missile is simply a rebranded version of older IRBM systems equipped with maneuverable glide vehicles. 'It's fast, and that makes interception hard,' says Michael Bohnert from the RAND Corporation. 'But it's also expensive, and its actual battlefield value is questionable without nuclear payloads.' Grace Mappes, a senior analyst at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), agrees, noting that while the Oreshnik adds to Russia's intimidation tools, it doesn't fundamentally change the military dynamics: 'This is more about messaging than military superiority. Russia already has missiles that can strike Europe. This just adds another layer to the threat.' Still, the psychological effect of placing hypersonic-capable missiles so close to NATO territory cannot be overstated. Even if they are not used, their presence alone could force Western leaders to recalculate their military strategies, especially in how they support Ukraine or conduct exercises near Russia's borders. Will NATO respond to the Oreshnik threat? The U.S. and NATO are now under increased pressure to upgrade their missile defense systems across Eastern Europe. Systems like the SM-3 Block IIA , SM-6 , and Israel's Arrow-3 have potential hypersonic interception capabilities, but their actual effectiveness against systems like the Oreshnik remains unproven in live combat. There are also growing calls within NATO to accelerate deployment of advanced radar systems and expand their counter-hypersonic initiatives in Poland, Romania, and the Baltic states. If Russia proceeds with full deployment in Belarus, NATO will likely need to rethink its entire missile defense posture on the alliance's eastern flank. Strategic implications of Russia's new missile era The deployment of the Oreshnik missile system marks more than just a military milestone—it signifies a strategic realignment of Eastern Europe and adds a dangerous new element to the broader conflict between Russia and the West. Here's why this matters: It reduces warning time for European capitals : Missiles launched from Belarus could reach Warsaw in under 3 minutes. It raises the risk of miscalculation : The presence of dual-capable (conventional or nuclear) weapons increases the chances of unintended escalation. It pressures NATO's cohesion : Countries closer to Russia's borders may now demand more aggressive deterrence strategies, potentially leading to political friction within the alliance. It strengthens Russia's negotiating position : Hypersonic missiles add to Putin's leverage in any future diplomatic talks involving Ukraine, NATO expansion, or sanctions relief. Is a new era of global missile warfare has begun? Russia's announcement that its Oreshnik hypersonic missile has entered full production and will soon be deployed in Belarus marks the start of a dangerous new chapter in global security. While its full impact remains to be seen, the move already poses a direct threat to NATO countries and shifts the strategic dynamics in Europe. Whether the Oreshnik proves to be a true 'game-changer' or more of a symbolic escalation, its development and deployment will likely push the U.S. and its allies into a new arms race focused on hypersonic weapons, missile defense upgrades, and renewed defense spending. For now, one thing is clear: the world has entered a new age of missile warfare, and the consequences will ripple far beyond Eastern Europe. FAQs: What is Russia's Oreshnik hypersonic missile and why is it important? It's a Mach 10 missile capable of evading NATO defenses, now being deployed in Belarus. Why is Oreshnik missile deployment in Belarus worrying NATO? It puts NATO capitals within minutes of strike range, raising fears of escalation.
