Former commander of the Black Sea Fleet, Admiral Vladimir Komoedov, responded to U. S. President Donald Trump’s recent statement about sending submarines to Russia’s shores, saying the American leader should first review the structure of his own navy.

Komoedov pointed out that U.S. nuclear-powered submarines have long operated near Russia’s key naval areas. He listed their presence near Kamchatka, in the Barents Sea, close to the Kola Bay, and at times even in the White Sea. According to him, Trump did not need to send anything new, since these vessels have already been stationed in such regions for years.

He argued that while Trump may be well-versed in business, his understanding of naval operations appeared limited. The admiral suggested that the U.S. president should take guidance from his military advisers before making public declarations about submarine deployments.

Komoedov also reminded that strategic submarines armed with nuclear weapons cannot operate in close proximity to another country’s shoreline. For that reason, he said, Trump should study how the U. S. Navy functions to better grasp how such submarines can realistically be used both in peacetime and under heightened alert.