Elon Musk, the tech mogul behind SpaceX and Tesla, has reportedly been engaging in secret communications with Russian President Vladimir Putin since late 2022, according to an investigative report by The Wall Street Journal. Intelligence sources cited by the publication claim that Musk’s communications with Putin have continued into this year, coinciding with Musk’s growing criticism of U.S. military support for Ukraine and his active involvement in former President Donald Trump’s campaign, as he seeks the Republican nomination.
According to intelligence sources, Putin allegedly asked Musk to avoid activating Starlink satellite internet over Taiwan at the behest of Chinese President Xi Jinping. This request underscores Musk’s expanding influence in international diplomacy, placing him in a complex web of political maneuvering that stretches far beyond his business interests.
The Diplomatic Impact of Musk’s Alleged Foreign Relations
Musk’s purported discussions with foreign leaders could have profound consequences, particularly as the U.S. heads into a crucial election cycle. With access to high-level security briefings and government contracts through his companies SpaceX and the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Musk wields classified information and a level of influence that transcends the tech world.
Starlink’s Pivotal Role in the Ukraine Conflict
Starlink, Musk’s satellite internet service, initially served as a critical asset in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, with Musk making it available to Ukraine shortly after Russia’s invasion in early 2022. Starlink was celebrated as a lifeline for Ukrainian forces, aiding communication and resilience against Russian aggression. However, as the war continued, Musk’s relationship with Ukrainian authorities soured.
By October 2022, Musk had begun sharing opinions on social media that aligned, to some extent, with the Kremlin’s narrative, under the guise of “peace proposals.” His ideas drew sharp criticism from Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, who publicly condemned Musk’s stance. Musk then suspended Starlink funding in Ukraine and restricted its military use, limiting its ability to control drones—a restriction that weakened Ukrainian forces on the battlefield. Early in 2024, Ukrainian intelligence reports suggested that Starlink was being used by Russian forces on the front lines, raising further questions about Musk’s neutrality in the conflict.
Kremlin Denies Regular Communications
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denied any ongoing communication between Musk and Putin, stating that they had only a single phone call discussing “space and future technologies.” Yet, The Wall Street Journal claims these contacts remain a well-kept secret within U.S. government circles, with multiple White House officials reportedly unaware of Musk’s alleged interactions with Putin.
To date, Musk has remained silent on these revelations, declining to comment or respond to questions posed by The Wall Street Journal. As these secretive talks come to light, they raise significant concerns regarding Musk’s influence on international affairs, and his increasingly prominent role in global geopolitics may soon face more scrutiny from U.S. officials and the public alike.
