Russian Prez Putin Moves Nuclear-Capable Bombers Closer to Europe Amid U.S. Submarine Deployment and Rising War Rhetoric

Tensions between nuclear powers have spiked sharply this week as Russia redeployed at least four Tu-95MS strategic bombers, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, from its remote Amur region base to airfields closer to Europe, including Olenya and Engels-2, according to Ukrainian defense sources that have been cited by several European news outlets.

The move is reportedly in response to growing fears of Ukrainian drone attacks and comes amid heightened concerns over nuclear escalation.

Image Source: AleksBrez11 on X

The long-range bombers, part of Russia's nuclear arsenal and frequently used to launch conventional strikes on Ukraine, were observed to be equipped with cruise missiles, raising alarm over the “high probability” of a major new attack, Insider UA reports.

This development follows former U.S. President Donald Trump’s assertion that two U.S. nuclear submarines have been moved “closer to Russia,” in response to Dmitry Medvedev’s recent threats of nuclear war. 

Trump told supporters the submarines are now “where they have to be,” framing the deployment as a counter to the Kremlin’s escalating rhetoric.

Medvedev, Russia’s former president and current deputy head of the Security Council, sparked international concern last week when he accused Trump of pushing the U.S. closer to war with Russia. 

“Every new ultimatum is a step toward war… with his own country,” Medvedev claimed.

While the Kremlin downplayed Medvedev’s comments, a spokesperson reaffirmed that Russia’s foreign policy is dictated solely by President Vladimir Putin, stating that Russia remains committed to nuclear non-proliferation. 

“There can be no winner in a nuclear war,” the Kremlin said, urging restraint in nuclear discourse.

The backdrop to these maneuvers includes a potential diplomatic channel, as Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to travel to Russia this week.

The visit is reportedly part of an initiative proposed by the Kremlin ahead of impending U.S. sanctions, contingent on movement toward a ceasefire and negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.

However, the redeployment of strategic bombers, paired with the deployment of U.S. nuclear submarines, underscores the deepening volatility and the high-stakes messaging between Washington and Moscow.