Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, reportedly engaged in confidential discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin since late 2022, according to The Wall Street Journal. Conversations, confirmed by various U.S., European, and Russian officials, spanned business, personal, and geopolitical topics amid Russia’s conflict in Ukraine, a significant U.S. ally. Reportedly, Putin urged Musk to restrict SpaceX’s Starlink internet services from Taiwan, favoring Chinese President Xi Jinping, aligning with China’s allegiance to Russia. NASA administrator Bill Nelson expressed concern and urged an investigation if these discussions occurred. The report prompts scrutiny over Musk’s geopolitical decisions impacting national security.
Musk, a prominent Republican donor endorsing Donald Trump’s campaign, has faced inquiries over Starlink’s military availability in Taiwan and allegations of non-compliance with a Pentagon contract, which SpaceX denies. Musk has had past engagements with Russia, expressing views on the Ukraine conflict that favored Russian interests, drawing criticism from global figures, including Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy.
Moreover, Tesla has Russian supply chain links, buying aluminum from Rusal, founded by the sanctioned oligarch Oleg Deripaska. With Trump offering Musk a potential role in a government efficiency commission, Musk’s expanding influence intersects geopolitics, technology, and market dynamics. Musk’s discussion with Putin raises serious questions about his decision-making at the intersection of corporate interests and international diplomacy.
Original Story https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/25/elon-musk-and-putin-talks-ramped-up-during-twitter-takeover-wsj.html
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