WASHINGTON, Aug 1 (Reuters) - On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he had directed the deployment of two nuclear submarines to select regions. This move followed remarks by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who referenced the potential for war between the countries.

Experts on national security described Trump's action as more rhetorical than operational, since the U.S. already maintains a presence of nuclear submarines capable of reaching Russia.

Medvedev, speaking a day earlier, warned that Moscow retained Soviet-era last-resort nuclear capabilities in response to Trump urging him to "watch his words."

"In light of the highly provocative comments made by Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, I have ordered two nuclear submarines to take position in the necessary areas, in the event these reckless statements carry any real threat," Trump wrote in a post on social media Friday.

He continued, "Words carry weight and can sometimes lead to unintended outcomes. I sincerely hope that won’t be the case here."

When pressed by reporters to explain his actions, Trump responded, "A former Russian president made a threat, and it’s our priority to defend our citizens."

Both the Pentagon and U.S. Navy refused to confirm or comment on Trump's claims or submarine movements. Due to their covert mission in nuclear deterrence, the military rarely reveals the movements or locations of nuclear submarines.

Trump issued his comments amid increasing friction between Washington and Moscow. His frustration has deepened over President Vladimir Putin’s reluctance to reach a resolution in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, now in its fourth year.

It remains unclear whether Trump was referring to submarines that are nuclear-powered or those armed with nuclear weapons. While all U.S. submarines in this class are powered by nuclear technology, not all are armed with nuclear missiles.

Security experts cautioned that any presidential statements involving nuclear arms must be taken seriously, as the United States has historically avoided engaging in provocative nuclear rhetoric like that often cast by Russian officials.

"This kind of talk is dangerous and ill-advised," said Daryl Kimball, who leads the Arms Control Association. "No national leader should be discussing nuclear warfare in such a reckless and public way."

Hans Kristensen from the Federation of American Scientists pointed out that U.S. nuclear submarines—part of the country's triad with bombers and land-based systems—are always on standby to launch missiles if needed.

"There is no need to reposition them—they're already strategically located," he said. "He's simply giving Medvedev unnecessary attention."

The United States operates 14 Ohio-class nuclear submarines, each capable of carrying up to 24 Trident II D5 ballistic missiles. These missiles are capable of launching multiple nuclear warheads over distances of up to 4,600 miles.

Typically, between eight and ten of these submarines are on active deployment at any given time, according to data from the Nuclear Threat Initiative.

Medvedev, who now serves as deputy chair of the Russian Security Council, has become increasingly vocal in his hostility toward the West since Russia’s large-scale military operation in Ukraine began in 2022. While viewed by critics as unpredictable, some Western diplomats believe his comments offer insight into high-level Kremlin thinking.

According to U.S. officials who spoke to Reuters before Trump’s latest remarks, Medvedev’s threats weren’t considered genuinely alarming, leaving Trump’s motivations unclear beyond the public exchange between the two men.

The verbal feud escalated earlier in the week when Trump warned Russia it had "10 days" to agree to a truce in Ukraine or face new tariffs.

Kristensen noted that by making public suggestions of nuclear threats, Trump could inadvertently foster unrealistic expectations of escalating military responses.

Nevertheless, Evelyn Farkas, executive director at the McCain Institute and a former Pentagon official, downplayed the risk of an actual nuclear escalation.

"This is more about sending a message than initiating conflict. No one interprets it as the beginning of nuclear war, and it's doubtful the Russians do either," she said.

Still, she added that such actions from Trump were unlikely to influence Moscow’s policy in Ukraine.

Russia has outlined its own terms for ending the war and has shown no signs of adhering to Trump’s proposed deadline of August 8.

On Friday, Putin expressed hope for continued diplomacy but said the war effort was progressing in Russia’s favor. He made no mention of any timeline proposed by Trump.

Trump, who once described having a strong relationship with Putin, has become increasingly critical, recently condemning Russian assaults in Ukraine and labeling the leadership’s actions as "disgusting."