At his press conference on Aug. 4, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented on the belligerent Trump response to the comments of Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev on Russia’s “Dead Hand” system. Peskov noted that policy is determined by the President. “The main thing, of course, is the position of President Putin. In our country, foreign policy is formulated by the head of state, that is, President Putin.” He downplayed the actual “threat” of Trump to move nuclear submarines closer to Russia, noting that American nuclear submarines are on combat duty, even without statements from politicians. “This is an ongoing process,” he said.
He also reminded his audience that members of the leadership have different points of view and that also in the U.S. and Europe there are very “tough-minded people.” He did, however, remark that nuclear rhetoric had to be handled with caution. He said the fact that “There can be no winner in a nuclear war,” was “the fundamental postulate” for Russia. “It is clear that very complex, very sensitive substances are being discussed, which, of course, are perceived by many in a very emotional way.”
