President Donald Trump delivered a pointed message to Russian President Vladimir Putin aboard Air Force One Monday morning, reminding the Russian leader that American military power stands ready just off Russia’s shores.
The exchange came after Russia announced it had successfully tested its nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile, which Moscow claims can travel more than 8,000 miles and penetrate defensive systems. When asked about the test by reporters, President Trump made clear that such demonstrations of military capability do not impress the United States.
“I know we have a nuclear submarine, the greatest in the world, right off their shores,” the President stated. “So, I mean, it doesn’t have to go 8,000 miles, and they’re not playing games with us. We’re not playing games with them either.”
The President’s remarks represent a notable shift in tone toward Putin as the conflict in Ukraine approaches its fourth year with no resolution in sight. Rather than engaging in what he characterized as unnecessary displays of military strength, Trump argued that Putin should focus his energy on ending the war.
“We test missiles all the time,” Trump acknowledged. “But, you know, we do have a submarine, a nuclear submarine. We don’t need to go 8,000 miles. And I don’t think it’s an appropriate thing for Putin to be saying either, by the way. You ought to get the war ended. A war that should have taken one week is now in its soon fourth year. That’s what you ought to do instead of testing missiles.”
According to Russian military officials, the missile test occurred on October 21, with the weapon remaining airborne for approximately 15 hours and traveling 8,700 miles. Valery Gerasimov, chief of the general staff of Russia’s armed forces, briefed Putin on the results, and the Russian president indicated plans to move forward with deployment of the weapon system.
The President’s comments signal growing frustration with the lack of progress toward peace in Ukraine. When pressed by reporters about potential further sanctions against Russia, Trump remained cryptic but suggestive. “You’ll find out,” he said simply.
The relationship between Trump and Putin, once characterized by the President’s stated desire for improved relations, has grown increasingly strained as diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict have stalled. The President has made clear that he expects action toward peace, not continued military posturing.
This latest exchange underscores the delicate balance the administration seeks to maintain: projecting American strength while pushing for diplomatic solutions. The President’s reference to American submarine capabilities serves as a reminder that the United States maintains significant military advantages that do not require long-range missile systems to be effective.
As the situation develops, the administration appears prepared to apply additional pressure on Moscow if necessary, though the specifics of any potential measures remain undisclosed. What remains clear is that President Trump expects results, not rhetoric, from the Russian leadership.
Related: Virginia and New Jersey Elections Could Reshape Washington’s Shutdown Battle
