Musk reportedly in frequent discussions with Vladimir Putin since 2022
A recent report by the Wall Street Journal has revealed that Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, has been in regular contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the past two years. According to sources, these exchanges began in late 2022, a timeline coinciding with Musk’s vocal criticism of US military support for Ukraine and former President Donald Trump’s mention of Musk’s potential role in his administration should he return to office.
Washington officials express heightened concerns
The report comes as Russia’s interference in US elections remains a top concern. With the November 5 White House race approaching, Musk’s ongoing dialogue with Vladimir Putin has raised red flags among Washington officials who question the motivation behind his communications with the Russian leader.
Given Musk’s high-profile stance and growing influence on Trump’s policies, national security analysts are closely examining the potential impacts of his international dealings. One senior official noted, “Elon Musk’s direct line to Putin warrants scrutiny, especially as he criticizes US positions on Ukraine.”
Vladimir Putin’s perspective on Musk: “No stopping him”
Putin has spoken positively about Musk’s independence, stating, “There’s no stopping Elon Musk. He’s going to do what he thinks he needs to do,” emphasizing the need to find “common ground” with the tech mogul.
As owner of Tesla and the social media platform X, Musk commands substantial financial resources and influence over American voters. His dealings with the Kremlin have prompted calls for increased oversight and transparency, especially given the broader implications for US interests abroad.
Connections to Trump and influence on the Ukraine conflict
Musk has emerged as an influential figure within Trump’s network, particularly as the former president and his supporters advocate for reduced US involvement in Ukraine. Through his platform, X, Musk has allowed Trump’s base to mobilize and spread narratives opposing current US foreign policy decisions.
Some conservative factions have viewed Musk’s support as a strategic asset for Trump’s campaign, aligning with Musk’s recent comments critical of US aid to Ukraine. However, analysts caution that Musk’s position may be influenced by his relationships with foreign leaders, including Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Starlink and Ukraine: A point of contention
In a move that highlighted Musk’s sway over geopolitical matters, reports indicate that Putin once asked him to halt the use of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite service in Taiwan at China’s request. Musk’s Starlink service has been vital in providing internet access to Ukraine’s military during its conflict with Russian forces. Shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Musk offered Starlink services to Ukraine, helping troops maintain communication lines on the frontlines.
However, Musk’s relationship with Ukraine soured after he withdrew funding and imposed limitations on Starlink’s usage, preventing Ukrainian forces from leveraging the network for drone operations against Russian troops. The billionaire’s actions spurred criticism from Ukrainian officials, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy questioning Musk’s alignment with Russia on the issue.
Scrutiny over Musk’s private diplomacy and Starlink’s usage
The Wall Street Journal report also disclosed that US intelligence has closely monitored Musk’s Kremlin communications. White House officials were reportedly unaware of these conversations, which remained confidential within government circles. Dmitry Peskov, Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson, confirmed that a call between Musk and Putin took place, reportedly centered on “space and future technologies,” but denied any ongoing contact, stating, “It’s all untrue, absolutely false information published in the newspaper.”
Musk’s interactions with foreign leaders and the strategic deployment of his technology raise vital questions about the role of private industry in international diplomacy and security. As the November election approaches, Musk’s influence over the US political landscape and his engagement with global leaders are likely to come under heightened scrutiny.