MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russian former President Dmitry Medvedev blamed NATO countries on Monday for the abandonment of a moratorium on short- and medium-range nuclear missiles and said Moscow would take further steps in response.

The Kremlin tried Monday to defuse tensions caused by remarks from one of Russia’s top officials that led President Trump to shift two nuclear submarines closer to Moscow. “As you know, Russia holds a responsible position.

President Donald Trump has reportedly hinted that his nuclear submarines are now "in the region of Russia" after he ordered them there following a comment made by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.