Former President Donald Trump announced that he would position two nuclear submarines in "appropriate regions" in response to comments made by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

Medvedev, a close ally of Vladimir Putin, had issued a statement containing a thinly veiled threat regarding the potential use of nuclear weapons.

Trump's announcement, made via social media or in a statement (depending on the specific reporting you're referencing), lacked specifics about the exact location of the submarine deployment.

The vagueness of the "appropriate regions" description fueled speculation, with commentators discussing potential locations ranging from the Arctic to the Pacific or Atlantic Oceans, near areas of heightened geopolitical tension.

The announcement immediately sparked debate.

Supporters lauded the move as a strong deterrent against Russian aggression, emphasizing the importance of projecting American military strength.

Critics, however, raised concerns about escalating tensions, potentially triggering an arms race, and questioned the wisdom of such a public declaration, arguing that it could undermine diplomatic efforts and compromise strategic advantages.

Concerns were also raised about the potential lack of consultation with current administration officials and the broader implications for US nuclear strategy.

The legal and constitutional authority for a former president to order such a significant military action was also questioned.

News outlets focused on analyzing the potential strategic implications of Trump's statement, examining the capabilities of the nuclear submarines, and considering the potential responses from Russia and other global powers.

The incident highlighted the ongoing tensions between the US and Russia, the complexities of nuclear deterrence, and the continuing political influence of former President Trump.

Experts weighed in on the likelihood of the deployment actually occurring, given the lack of official confirmation from the current administration and the significant bureaucratic hurdles involved.

President Trump on Friday said he's ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned in the "appropriate regions," in response to threatening comments made by Russia's former president. 

"Based on the highly provocative statements of the Former President of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, who is now the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, I have ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that," Mr. Trump on Truth Social. "Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances."

Mr. Trump didn't say where the submarines would be. The White House declined to comment.

"Well, we had to do that," Mr. Trump told reporters Friday afternoon. "We just have to be careful. And a threat was made and we didn't think it was appropriate."

"We're gonna protect our people," Mr. Trump added. 

Over the last few days, Medvedev has responded to Mr. Trump's threats of agreement with Ukraine. 

"Trump's playing the ultimatum game with Russia: 50 days or 10," Medvedev posted on X Tuesday, adding, "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 was responding to Mr. Trump's announcement this week that the Kremlin had , rather than the 50 days originally proposed, to agree to a ceasefire or face secondary sanctions. 

In a separate , Mr. Trump said Medvedev should "watch his words" and referred to him as "the failed former President of Russia, who thinks he's still President."

On Thursday, Medvedev took to , in Russian, to warn Mr. Trump "how dangerous the fabled 'Dead Hand' can be," a reference to the system designed to trigger the launch of Moscow's nuclear missiles.