Last week, just one day before the so-called «deadline» set by the U.S. for a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine, news emerged of an upcoming summit between the Russian and American leaders. Analysts noted that while the meeting has drawn significant attention, it cannot mask the ongoing intense rivalry between the two nations. Recent exchanges of rhetoric have escalated, with discussions on nuclear deployments and treaties raising serious concerns. Reports suggest that only one nuclear arms treaty remains between the U.S. and Russia, and a new arms race is a possibility.

U.S. President Trump and Russian President Putin are scheduled to meet on August 15 in Alaska to discuss the Ukraine crisis. This will be their first face-to-face meeting since their encounter at the 2019 G20 summit.

When asked about his earlier proposal for a trilateral meeting involving the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine, Trump gave an ambiguous response. A reporter inquired, «Does Putin need to meet with Zelensky before you meet with Putin?» Trump simply replied, «No.»

«Ultimatum» Still in Effect

Escalating War of Words Between U.S. and Russia

However, Trump also stated that the U.S. deadline for Russia remains valid.

On July 28, during a visit to Scotland, Trump expressed disappointment in Putin and considered shortening the previously set 50-day deadline for a Russia-Ukraine peace agreement.

In response, Russia’s former president and current deputy chairman of the Security Council fired back on social media, stating, «Russia is not Israel or Iran. Every ultimatum is a threat and a step toward war.»

On July 31, the U.S. ambassador to the UN declared at a Security Council meeting, «President Trump has made it clear that Russia and Ukraine must reach a ceasefire by August 8.»

The same day, Trump referred to the Russian official as a «failed former president» and warned him to «watch his words.»

The Russian official later responded on Telegram, referencing apocalyptic films and the dangers of a «dead hand» in nature.

Speculation arose that the remarks alluded to a post-apocalyptic TV series, hinting at the potential for a U.S.-Russia nuclear conflict leading to global destruction.

«The Most Explicit Nuclear Threat»

Meanwhile, the war of words continued to escalate.

On August 1, Trump announced on social media that he had ordered the deployment of two U.S. nuclear submarines to «appropriate locations,» likely near Russian waters.

Trump stated, «When you mention the word ‘nuclear,’ my eyes light up. We better be careful because this is the ultimate threat.»

On August 4, a Russian presidential spokesperson warned that no one wins a nuclear war and urged caution in nuclear-related statements.

Analysts described the current U.S.-Russia nuclear standoff as the «most explicit nuclear threat» since the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Military experts speculated that the U.S. likely deployed Ohio-class submarines, the backbone of its sea-based nuclear deterrent.

«U.S. and Russia’s Nuclear Forces at Parity: A Full-Spectrum Standoff»

Data indicates the U.S. Navy operates 71 nuclear submarines, the world’s largest underwater fleet, including 14 Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines, each capable of carrying 24 Trident II missiles with a range exceeding 12,000 km. Russia maintains a formidable nuclear deterrent, with around 30 nuclear submarines, including 10 strategic submarines equipped with Bulava intercontinental ballistic missiles.

On July 24, Putin attended the delivery ceremony of a new Borei-A-class submarine. Days later, he emphasized the growing strength of Russia’s sea-based nuclear forces.

Under Russia’s naval development strategy, four more Borei-A-class submarines will be added, alongside modernized Yasen-M-class attack submarines.

A retired British naval officer noted that the U.S. and Russia are evenly matched in submarine capabilities. The nuclear standoff extends beyond the seas to land and air.

«U.S. Accelerates Nuclear Deployments; Russia Withdraws from INF Treaty Constraints»

On August 4, Russia announced it would no longer abide by self-imposed restrictions under the Intermediate-Range

G20 summit

The **G20 Summit** is an annual international forum bringing together leaders from the world’s 20 major economies to discuss global economic cooperation, financial stability, and other critical issues. Established in 1999 after the Asian financial crisis, it initially involved finance ministers but expanded to include heads of state in 2008 during the global financial crisis. The rotating host country sets the agenda, addressing challenges like trade, climate change, and sustainable development.

Security Council

The **United Nations Security Council (UNSC)** is one of the six principal organs of the UN, responsible for maintaining international peace and security. Established in 1945 after World War II, it has 15 members, including five permanent members (China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US) with veto power. The Council addresses global conflicts, sanctions, and peacekeeping missions, playing a key role in diplomatic resolutions.

UN

The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945 after World War II to promote peace, security, and cooperation among nations. Headquartered in New York City, it replaced the League of Nations and now includes 193 member states working on global issues like human rights, development, and conflict resolution. Its iconic headquarters complex, built in 1952, symbolizes diplomacy and multilateralism.

Cuban Missile Crisis

The Cuban Missile Crisis (October 1962) was a 13-day Cold War confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union over the latter’s deployment of nuclear missiles in Cuba, bringing the world to the brink of nuclear war. It began when the U.S. discovered Soviet missile installations and imposed a naval blockade, ending with a negotiated withdrawal of the missiles in exchange for a U.S. pledge not to invade Cuba and a secret agreement to remove U.S. missiles from Turkey. The crisis remains a pivotal moment in Cold War history, highlighting the dangers of superpower tensions.

Ohio-class submarines

The Ohio-class submarines are a class of nuclear-powered submarines used by the United States Navy, first commissioned in 1981. Originally designed as ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) for nuclear deterrence, some were later converted into guided missile submarines (SSGNs). They remain among the most advanced and largest submarines ever built, playing a critical role in U.S. strategic defense.

Trident II missiles

The **Trident II (D5) missile** is a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) developed by the United States, first deployed in 1990 as part of the U.S. and UK nuclear deterrent programs. With a range of over 7,500 miles and multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), it is a key component of the nuclear triad. The missiles are carried by Ohio-class submarines and the UK’s Vanguard-class submarines, ensuring second-strike capability during the Cold War and beyond.

Borei-A-class submarine

The **Borei-A-class submarine** (Project 955A) is a modern Russian nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, designed as an upgraded version of the original Borei class. Introduced in the 2010s, these submarines are key to Russia’s strategic nuclear deterrent, equipped with **Bulava intercontinental missiles**. The Borei-A class reflects advancements in stealth, propulsion, and weaponry, replacing older Soviet-era submarines like the Typhoon and Delta classes.

Yasen-M-class attack submarines

The **Yasen-M-class (Project 885M)** is a modern series of Russian nuclear-powered attack submarines, designed for multi-role missions including anti-submarine warfare, land attacks, and fleet support. An advanced iteration of the original Yasen-class, these submarines feature improved stealth, sonar systems, and cruise missile capabilities (like the Kalibr and Oniks missiles). The first Yasen-M submarine, *Kazan*, entered service in 2021, reflecting Russia’s effort to modernize its naval forces amid global strategic competition.