Ukraine updates: Trump deploys nuclear subs in Russia row

US President Donald Trump said he ordered two nuclear submarines to "appropriate regions" after what he called "foolish and inflammatory" statements from a former Russian president.

A social media war of words between US President Donald Trump and Dmitry Medvedev, a former Russian president and current deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, has led to the repositioning of two US nuclear submarines likely closer to Russia, according to a post Trump made on his Truth Social network. 

"Based on the highly provocative statements of the Former President of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev..., I have ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that," Trump wrote.

The announcement comes amid intensified Russian attacks on Ukraine, even as Trump threatens tougher sanctions unless President Vladimir Putin agrees to a ceasefire in the coming days.

A day of mourning was being held in Ukraine's capital on Friday, a day after Russia launched waves of missiles and drones on Kyiv, killing 31 people and wounding over 150 others.,

This blog, covering news related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Friday, August 1, has now closed.