Donald Trump says he has ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned in the "appropriate regions" after "inflammatory" comments from former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev.
The US president's move comes after Mr Medvedev, who is now deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, told Trump to remember Moscow had Soviet-era nuclear strike capabilities.
Writing on Truth Social on Friday, Trump said he was ordering the American boats to “the appropriate regions” due to what he called “the highly provocative statements of the Former President of Russia” and noted Medvedev’s status as a deputy chair of the Russian national security council.
Trump said the move was a precautionary measure “just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that.”
Later, speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump added: “A threat was made by a former president of Russia, and we're going to protect our people."
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Ukraine-Russia latest: Key Points
- Trump says he's 'going to protect our people' in response to Medevev threat
- Ukrainians mourn 31 killed in Russian strike on Kyiv
- Zelensky calls on allies to bring regime change in Russia
- Zelensky and Starmer 'welcomed' Donald Trump’s 'new deadline on Russia'
- Russia has developed immunity to US sanctions, Kremlin says, despite Trump deadline
Full report | Trump says he ‘ordered’ nuclear submarines to ‘region’ over Ukraine war rhetoric from Russia’s Medvedev
06:35
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Stuti Mishra
Europe should see Ukrainian military as European army, says Russian opposition activist
06:05
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Stuti Mishra
Europe must start seeing the Ukrainian military as a European army, a prominent Russian opposition activist Ilya Yashin said on Friday.
“The Ukrainian army is not only protecting Ukraine, it is protecting Europe from Russian aggression,” he said in a speech addressing Russians in exile at Belgrade concert hall.
Mr Yashin was imprisoned in 2022 for criticising Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and released last year. Between February 2022 and 2024, more than 74,000 Russians registered for temporary residence in Serbia, according to the latest interior ministry data.
Two-year-old among 31 dead in Russian attack
05:30
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Stuti Mishra
A two-year-old was among the five children found dead after Thursday’s Russian drone and missile attack, the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said on Friday, announcing the end of the rescue operation.
The death toll rose to 31 after rescuers recovered more than a dozen more bodies from the rubble of a collapsed apartment block in Kyiv overnight.
A total of 159 people were wounded in the strikes, which saw Russia launch more than 300 drones and eight missiles early on Thursday.
Who is Russia's former president Dmitry Medvedev who has raised the prospect of war?
05:00
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Stuti Mishra
Dmitry Medvedev was Russia's president from 2008 to 2012, while Vladimir Putin was barred from seeking a third consecutive term, and then stepped aside to let him run again.
Now deputy chairman of Russia's National Security Council, which Vladimir Putin chairs, Medvedev has been known for his provocative and inflammatory statements since the start of the war in 2022. That's a U-turn from his presidency, when he was seen as liberal and progressive.
Mr Medvedev has frequently wielded nuclear threats and lobbed insults at Western leaders on social media. Some observers have argued that with his extravagant rhetoric, Medvedev is seeking to score political points with Putin and Russian military hawks.
One such example before the latest spat with Mr Trump came on 15 July, after Mr Trump announced plans to supply Ukraine with more weapons via its NATO allies and threatened additional tariffs against Moscow.
Mr Medvedev posted then, "Trump issued a theatrical ultimatum to the Kremlin. The world shuddered, expecting the consequences. Belligerent Europe was disappointed. Russia didn't care."
Trump alarmed by Medvedev's comments as US sends special envoy to Russia
04:18
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Stuti Mishra
Donald Trump said later on Friday that he was alarmed by Medvedev's attitude.
"He's got a fresh mouth," Trump said in an interview with Newsmax.
Mr Trump has said that special envoy Steve Witkoff is heading to Russia to push Moscow to agree to a ceasefire in its war with Ukraine and has threatened new economic sanctions if progress is not made.
He cut his 50-day deadline for action to 10 days, with that window set to expire next week.
Photos of the latest Russian drone and missile attack in Kyiv
03:00
,
Jabed Ahmed
Watch | Trump: It’s ‘disgusting’ what Russia is doing to Ukraine
02:00
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Jabed Ahmed
Putin says Russia's hypersonic missile has entered service and will be deployed in Belarus
01:00
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Jabed Ahmed
Full report | Trump says he ‘ordered’ nuclear submarines to ‘region’ over Ukraine war rhetoric from Russia’s Medvedev
23:59
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Jabed Ahmed
Trump says he's 'going to protect our people' in response to Medevev threat
23:14
,
Jabed Ahmed
Donald Trump has said he “had to” order two nuclear submarines to be positioned in the "appropriate regions" after "inflammatory" comments from former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev.
Speaking to reporters in the White House on Friday, the US president said: “Well, we had to do that. We just have to be careful. And a threat was made, and we didn't think it was appropriate. So I have to very careful. So I do that on the basis of safety for our people.
“A threat was by a former president of Russia, and we're going to protect our people."
Referring to comments made by Medvedev, Mr Trump added: “He was talking about nuclear. When you talk about nuclear, we have to be prepared. And we're totally prepared."
Ukrainians mourn 31 killed in Russian strike on Kyiv
22:59
,
Jabed Ahmed
- Ukrainian rescuers pulled more bodies from the rubble of a collapsed apartment block in Kyiv overnight, pushing the death toll from Russia’s deadliest strike on the capital this year to 31.
- Among the victims were five children, including a two-year-old, President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on Friday as a 24-hour rescue operation drew to a close.
- Thursday’s multi-wave assault saw Russia launch more than 300 drones and eight missiles, leaving 159 people wounded across Kyiv.
- Footage shared on the presidential website showed Mr Zelensky speaking with residents whose homes were left in ruins. “The state will definitely provide help and support to everyone affected,” he pledged.
- In Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, a separate drone attack on Friday injured 10 people, including three children – the youngest just five months old.
- The Sviatoshyn district in western Kyiv suffered the worst destruction, but damage was also reported across at least three other parts of the city.
- In Washington, President Donald Trump denounced Russia’s “disgusting” actions but questioned whether sanctions alone would deter Moscow.
- Mr Trump warned Vladimir Putin to strike a deal by 8 August or face economic pressure, and said he had ordered two nuclear submarines to be moved “to the appropriate regions”.
- “Trump just says, ‘I’m upset with President Putin’s behaviour.’ And what? No results,” said local resident Natalia Matviyenko, 65, sitting near the wreckage.
- The president, who returned to office vowing to end the war quickly, has recently signalled more willingness to arm Ukraine.
Ukraine protects Europe from Kremlin aggression, Russian dissident Yashin says
22:19
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Jabed Ahmed
Europe must start seeing Ukraine as a European country, and the Ukrainian military as a European army, Ilya Yashin, a prominent Russian opposition activist, has said.
"The Ukrainian army is not only protecting Ukraine, it is protecting Europe from Russian aggression," he told hundreds of Russians who now live in Serbia.
Yashin was imprisoned in 2022 for criticising Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and was released last year, along with 15 other prisoners in Russian and Belarusian jails.
His speech at a Belgrade concert hall was the first such public appearance of a high-profile Russian dissident in Serbia since 2022.
Between February 2022 and 2024, more than 74,000 Russians registered for temporary residence in Serbia, according to the latest Interior Ministry data, many fleeing conscription or persecution for their opposition to President Vladimir Putin.
Ukrainian says she does not put faith in Trump's tough rhetoric
21:30
,
Rebecca Whittaker
Ukrainian rescuers recovered more than a dozen more bodies from the rubble of a collapsed apartment block in Kyiv overnight, bringing the death toll from Russia's worst air strike of the year on Ukraine's capital to 31.
A two-year-old was among the five children found dead after Thursday's sweeping Russian drone and missile attack, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Friday, announcing the end of a more than 24-hour-long rescue operation.
President Donald Trump sharply criticised Russia's "disgusting" behaviour against Ukraine, while saying he was not sure whether sanctions would deter Russia. He has given President Vladimir Putin until August 8 to make a deal or else he will respond with economic pressure.
Natalia Matviyenko, 65, sitting near the damaged apartment building, said she did not place much faith in Trump's tough rhetoric.
"Trump just says, 'I'm upset with President Putin's behaviour.' And what? No results," she said.
Pictured: Rescuers lay flowers following A missile and drone attack that killed 31 people
21:10
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Rebecca Whittaker
A missile and drone attack on July 31 killed 31 people and injured 179 in Kyiv. Volodymyr Zelensky has given his sincere condolences to the families and loved ones following the strike.
Reports say residential building hit by Russian drones injuring at least 10 people
21:01
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Rebecca Whittaker
Russia attacked the northeastern city of Kharkiv with drones, hitting a residential building and injuring at least 10 people, The Kyiv Independent has reported.
The news site reported Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov said the victims include a 5-month-old baby and two young children.
It added a Russian Molniya kamikaze drone struck an apartment building and emergency services are at the scene.
Zelensky offered to 'move beyond technical talks' with Russia
20:50
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Rebecca Whittaker
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has offered to “move beyond technical talks” with Russia.
“We understand who calls the shots in Russia, and thus Ukraine is once again offering to move beyond technical talks—not to exchange statements, but to actually meet at the level of leaders,” Volodymyr Zelensky said in a post on X.
It comes after US President Donald Trump said Russia had "10 days from today" to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine or be hit, along with its oil buyers, with tariffs.
Moscow, which has set out its own terms for peace in Ukraine, has shown no sign that it will comply with Trump's deadline.
We understand who calls the shots in Russia, and thus Ukraine is once again offering to move beyond technical talks—not to exchange statements, but to actually meet at the level of leaders. pic.twitter.com/bNLW3JGV1z
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 1, 2025
'It's impossible to justify what Russia is doing, ' says Zelensky
20:39
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Rebecca Whittaker
Volodymyr Zelensky gave his sincere condolences to the families and loved ones following a strike on Kyiv that killed 31 people.
It's impossible to justify what Russia is doing. We will never forgive the killing of our people, these brutal strikes. With yesterday’s strike on Kyiv, Russia killed 31 people. 179 were injured. My sincere condolences to the families, the loved ones, and to all who have lost… pic.twitter.com/3Kgo06T8gl
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 1, 2025
Watch Trump: It’s ‘disgusting’ what Russia is doing to Ukraine
20:20
,
Rebecca Whittaker
Zelensky 'welcomed' Donald Trump’s 'new deadline on Russia'
20:05
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Rebecca Whittaker
Sir Keir Starmer and Volodymyr Zelensky “welcomed” Donald Trump’s “new deadline on Russia to stop their stalling tactics and make meaningful progress on a peace deal” in a call earlier today, Downing Street said.
In a post on X following the talk with Starmer Zelensky said: “We discussed the urgent need to scale up drone production, especially interceptor drones. There is a specific financial need, and we agreed to find a solution.
“We also talked about sanctions. Russia genuinely fears them, no matter how hard it pretends that it couldn’t care less. Sanctions are undoubtedly working – and there will be more. We are working with everyone on coordinated restrictive measures.”
Trump ordered two nuclear submarines to be moved in response to threats from former Russian President
19:54
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Rebecca Whittaker
Donald Trump and Dmitry Medvedev, who is deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, traded taunts in recent days after Trump on Tuesday said Russia had "10 days from today" to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine or be hit, along with its oil buyers, with tariffs.
Moscow, which has set out its own terms for peace in Ukraine, has shown no sign that it will comply with Trump's deadline.
Medvedev on Monday accused Trump of engaging in a "game of ultimatums" and reminded him that Russia possessed Soviet-era nuclear strike capabilities of last resort after Trump told Medvedev to "watch his words."
'I’m just here to see if I can stop the war', says Trump on Truth Social
19:39
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Rebecca Whittaker
Donald Trump continues to voice his frustration over the war Russia continues to wage in Ukraine, writing on Truth Social before the submarine announcement he said: “I have just been informed that almost 20,000 Russian soldiers died this month in the ridiculous War with Ukraine. Russia has lost 112,500 soldiers since the beginning of the year.
“That is a lot of unnecessary DEATH! Ukraine, however, has also suffered greatly. They have lost approximately 8,000 soldiers since January 1, 2025, and that number does not include their missing. Ukraine has also lost civilians, but in smaller numbers, as Russian rockets crash into Kyiv, and other Ukrainian locales. This is a War that should have never happened — This is Biden’s War, not “TRUMP’s.” I’m just here to see if I can stop it!”
Trump says he ‘ordered’ nuclear submarines to ‘region’
19:01
,
Lucy Leeson
President Donald Trump on Friday said he was redeploying a pair of American “nuclear submarines” in response to belligerent statements made on X by former Russian president Dimitri Medvedev earlier this week.
Writing on Truth Social, Trump said he was ordering the American boats to “the appropriate regions” due to what he called “the highly provocative statements of the Former President of Russia” and noted Medvedev’s status as a deputy chair of the Russian national security council.
Analyst says fighting likely ongoing in Chasiv Yar
18:30
,
Alexander Butler
Military analyst Emil Kastehelmi, co-founder of the Finland-based Black Bird Group, said it was likely that battles were continuing near Chasiv Yar.
Russia yesterday claimed it had captured the town of Chasiv Yar in eastern Ukraine after nearly 16 months of fighting. Ukraine denied the claims, calling it propaganda.
"The terrain of Chasiv Yar has favoured the defender. Forested areas, waterways, hills and a varied building stock have enabled Ukraine to conduct a defensive operation lasting over a year, in which the Russians have made minimal monthly progress," he told Reuters.
Mr Kastehelmi said it was likely that the town's fall, if confirmed, would create conditions for Russia to advance further in eastern Ukraine, but still only gradually.
"The fall of the city to the enemy is nevertheless a challenging situation for Ukraine, as it will bring the Russians closer to Kostiantynivka, which Russia is now approaching from several directions," he said.
Trump says it is 'disgusting' what Russia doing to Ukraine
17:30
,
Alexander Butler
US President Donald Trump has said that Russia’s war in Ukraine is “disgusting”.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, he said he plans to impose sanctions on Moscow if no agreement can be reached to end the conflict.
Mr Trump said he was not sure whether sanctions would deter Russia.
He has given Russian president Vladimir Putin until 8 August to make a deal or else he will respond with economic pressure.
Putin may be mocking Trump over Ukraine – but the US president won’t do anything about it
16:30
,
Alexander Butler
Trump’s most trusted advisors? His TV — and sometimes Melania
15:30
,
Alexander Butler
Watch: Injured Ukrainian soldier flees frontline on e-bike delivered by drone
14:30
,
Alexander Butler
Putin 'hopes peace talks continue' despite waging war
13:21
,
Alexander Butler
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that he hoped peace talks between Russia and Ukraine would continue and that working groups could discuss potential compromises, but said Moscow's goals remained unchanged.
Speaking one week before the expiry of a deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump for Russia to agree a ceasefire in Ukraine or face new sanctions - including on countries that buy its energy exports - Putin gave no hint of any change in Moscow's position.
He said that if anyone was disappointed in the outcome of peace talks to date, that was a consequence of inflated expectations.
Speaking to reporters at a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in northern Russia, Putin said talks should be conducted "without cameras and in a calm atmosphere."
He said Russian troops were attacking Ukraine along the entire front line and that the momentum was in their favour, citing the announcement by his Defence Ministry on Thursday that Moscow's forces had captured the Ukrainian town of Chasiv Yar after a 16-month battle.
Zelensky's chief of staff says allies 'confirm positive signals' from Washington
11:45
,
Alexander Butler
Ukraine's partners had "confirmed positive signals" about imminent White House pressure on Russia following President Volodymyr Zelensky's conversations with British, French, German and Italian counterparts, a top Ukrainian official said.
"Our partners confirmed positive signals from the White House regarding firm actions against the Russian Federation's particularly on sanctions targeting Russian oil and secondary tariffs following the end of the 10-day deadline set by President Donald Trump," Andriy Yermak wrote on X.
He added that he also discussed preparations for a "historic" bilateral security deal between Kyiv and Washington backed financially by European allies.
Recap: China and Russia to hold joint naval exercise near Japan next month
09:00
,
Alexander Butler
Pictured: Destruction after Russian airstrike on block of flats in Kramatorsk, eastern Ukraine
08:30
,
Alexander Butler
In pics: Aftermath of Russia's attack on Kyiv
08:00
,
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Kyiv death toll rises to 26
07:11
,
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Ukrainian authorities have confirmed that at least 26 people, including children, were killed in Russia's drone and missile attack on Kyiv.
Ukraine's interior ministry said the toll was revised after "rescuers retrieved 10 bodies from the rubble of the residential building in Sviatoshynsky district, including the body of a two-year-old child".
Russia launched waves of missiles and drones, targeting more than two dozen locations in Kyiv before dawn on Thursday.
The attack destroyed a building and left 159 people, including 16 children, wounded.
Trump says it is 'disgusting' what Russia doing to Ukraine
07:10
,
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
US President Donald Trump has said that Russia’s war in Ukraine is “disgusting”.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, he said he plans to impose sanctions on Moscow if no agreement can be reached to end the conflict.
Mr Trump said he was not sure whether sanctions would deter Russia.
He has given Russian president Vladimir Putin until 8 August to make a deal or else he will respond with economic pressure.
Ukraine’s parliament approves law restoring power of anti-graft watchdogs
06:49
,
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Ukraine’s parliament has overwhelmingly approved a bill presented by president Volodymyr Zelensky that restores the independence of two of the country’s key anti-corruption watchdogs, reversing his contentious move last week that curbed their power and brought an outcry.
Last week’s measure by Mr Zelensky to place the watchdogs under the oversight of the prosecutor-general prompted rebukes from Ukrainians, the EU and international rights groups. It raised fears that the government could meddle in investigations and potentially shield its supporters from scrutiny.
Fighting entrenched corruption is crucial for Ukraine’s aspirations to join the EU and maintain access to billions of dollars of vital Western aid in the nearly 3½-year all-out war. It’s also an effort that enjoys broad public support.
Kyiv to observe a day of mourning
06:21
,
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Kyiv authorities have announced a day of mourning to be held today for the 16 people killed in Russia's drone and missile attack.
Russia launched waves of missiles and drones on Kyiv before dawn on Thursday, killing 16 people, including two children, and wounding well over 100 others, officials in the Ukrainian capital said.
"Tomorrow, August 1, has been declared a day of mourning in Kyiv. In memory of the victims of the enemy's massive attack on the capital," Kyiv mayor Vitali Klytschko said on Telegram.
"On this day, flags will be flown at half-mast on all municipal buildings in the city. It is also recommended to fly state flags at half-mast on state and privately owned buildings."
Analyst says fighting likely ongoing in Chasiv Yar
05:48
,
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Military analyst Emil Kastehelmi, co-founder of the Finland-based Black Bird Group, said it was likely that battles were continuing near Chasiv Yar.
Russia yesterday claimed it had captured the town of Chasiv Yar in eastern Ukraine after nearly 16 months of fighting. Ukraine denied the claims, calling it propaganda.
"The terrain of Chasiv Yar has favoured the defender. Forested areas, waterways, hills and a varied building stock have enabled Ukraine to conduct a defensive operation lasting over a year, in which the Russians have made minimal monthly progress," he told Reuters.
Mr Kastehelmi said it was likely that the town's fall, if confirmed, would create conditions for Russia to advance further in eastern Ukraine, but still only gradually.
"The fall of the city to the enemy is nevertheless a challenging situation for Ukraine, as it will bring the Russians closer to Kostiantynivka, which Russia is now approaching from several directions," he said.
Trump envoy Witkoff to visit Russia
05:38
,
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
US president Donald Trump said his special envoy Steve Witkoff will visit Russia after wrapping his Israel visit.
“Yeah, going to Israel and then he’s going to Russia, believe it or not,” Mr Trump told reporters at the White House yesterday.
Mr Trump added that he expected to impose sanctions once a new deadline he set earlier this week expires, but did not foresee that it would alter the Russian leader's behaviour.
“We have about eight days, so yeah, we’re going to put sanctions. I don’t know that sanctions bother him,” he said.
In pics: Aftermath of Russia's drone attack on Kyiv
05:15
,
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Russia launched 300 drones and eight missiles at Ukraine
05:12
,
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Russia launched a barrage of more than 300 drones and eight cruise missiles at Ukraine overnight, targeting Kyiv, the Ukrainian Air Force said.
One of the missiles hit a nine-storey residential building in Kyiv, destroying parts of it. Ukraine's national rescue service said the toll rose to 16 after another body had been retrieved from underneath rubble.
The rescue service said 16 of the injured were children, the largest number of children hurt in a single attack on the city since Russia started its full-scale invasion.
"Today the world has once again seen Russia's response to our desire for peace ... Therefore, peace without strength is impossible," the Ukrainian president said.
Trump warns Putin’s right-hand man: ‘You’re entering very dangerous territory’
05:04
,
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Donald Trump issued a stern warning to “failed” former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and urged him to “watch his words” after he ridiculed the U.S. president on social media.
“Russia and the USA do almost no business together,” Trump said in a midnight Truth Social tirade, after attacking India’s close ties with Russia and setting his sights on Medvedev.
“Let’s keep it that way, and tell Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who thinks he’s still President, to watch his words. He’s entering very dangerous territory.”
Medvedev, who was handpicked by Vladimir Putin to serve as president in 2008 due to term limits, ridiculed Trump’s recent ultimatum demanding Russia agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine.
More here.
Zelensky reports intense battles near Pokrovsk
04:47
,
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky claimed the most intensive battles were still near the city of Pokrovsk, about 60km southwest of Chasiv Yar.
Ukrainian forces, he said, were repelling Russian sabotage and reconnaissance parties. Russia yesterday claimed it had captured the town of Chasiv Yar in eastern Ukraine after nearly 16 months of fighting, opening the way for potential further advances.
The Ukrainian president, however, dismissed the claim as "disinformation".
Zelensky calls on allies to bring regime change in Russia
04:14
,
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has urged his allies to bring about "regime change" in Russia after Moscow's drone attack on Kyiv killed 16 people, including a six-year-old boy.
At least 150 people sustained injuries after the overnight strikes reduced part of a nine-storey apartment block in Kyiv's western suburbs to rubble.
Speaking via video at a conference commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Cold War-era Helsinki Accords, Zelensky said Russia could be “pushed” to end the war."
But if the world doesn't aim to change the regime in Russia, that means even after the war ends, Moscow will still try to destabilise neighbouring countries," he said, according to AFP.
Zelensky restores power of anti-graft agencies
03:00
,
Daniel Keane
President Volodymyr Zelensky restored the independence of Ukraine's two main anti-corruption agencies on Thursday, moving to defuse a political crisis that has shaken faith in his wartime leadership.
Thousands of protesters rallied in Kyiv and other cities in recent days in a rare show of discontent.
It came after lawmakers led by Zelensky's ruling party rushed through amendments last week defanging the respected agencies.
He signed a new bill on Thursday shortly after lawmakers approved it 331 to 0, saying the legislation "guarantees the absence of any kind of outside influence (or) interference".
"Ukraine is a democracy - there are definitely no doubts," Zelenskiy said on the Telegram messaging app.
Trump 'wants deal to end war by August 8'
02:00
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