In a stunning revelation that’s shaking up the political and tech worlds, a new report from The Wall Street Journal claims that Elon Musk has been in covert contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin since late 2022. The revelation comes amidst Musk’s deepening involvement in U.S. politics and defense tech, raising red flags in Washington about potential conflicts of interest and national security risks.
According to U.S. intelligence sources cited in the report, Musk and Putin have reportedly been discussing various topics well into this year, with Musk even allegedly receiving requests from the Russian leader himself. In one instance, sources allege, Putin asked Musk to refrain from activating Starlink, his satellite internet service, over Taiwan as a favor to Chinese President Xi Jinping—illustrating the extensive reach of Musk’s influence on international policy and diplomatic maneuvering.
The report notes that Musk’s ties with Putin coincided with his increasing criticism of U.S. military aid to Ukraine and his visible support for former President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign. As CEO of SpaceX and owner of the social media platform X, Musk holds significant sway over public opinion, high-level government contracts, and even classified U.S. intelligence. This blend of influence in defense and media places Musk in a powerful—and now highly scrutinized—position.
Starlink, Musk’s satellite internet network, has been a vital tool in Ukraine’s war efforts since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Initially, Musk offered the service free of charge to aid Ukrainian forces. However, his stance shifted as relations between Musk and Ukrainian officials grew tense. In late 2022, Musk limited Starlink’s military functions, restricting Ukraine’s ability to use it for controlling drones—a decision that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other top Kyiv officials sharply criticized. By early 2024, Ukrainian military intelligence reported that Russian forces were using Starlink technology on the front lines.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov downplayed the contacts, asserting they were limited to a single call discussing “space and future technologies.” However, White House officials expressed shock at the revelations, with some sources saying they were unaware of Musk’s communications with Moscow.
Musk has yet to address the claims, and his silence has only amplified speculation. As these allegations ignite debate over Musk’s role and power, questions loom: What consequences will his communications with Putin have on U.S. politics, and how far does Musk’s influence over foreign policy really extend?
