The day after the U.S. presidential election, Elon Musk joined a phone call between President-elect Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Trump, who was reportedly with Musk at Mar-a-Lago, took Zelensky’s congratulatory call on speakerphone, and the conversation, described as positive and cordial, lasted around seven minutes. During the call, Zelensky thanked Musk for providing Starlink communications to Ukraine, although no policy matters were discussed.
Zelensky’s Public Congratulations
Zelensky took to X (formerly Twitter) to congratulate Trump on his “historic landslide” victory, expressing hopes for continued U.S.-Ukraine cooperation. “Strong and unwavering U.S. leadership is vital for the world and for a just peace,” he posted.
Tensions in Ukraine Amid Trump’s Win
Trump’s victory arrives at a critical juncture for Ukraine, as Russia intensifies its efforts in the eastern Donbas region. Trump’s campaign rhetoric raised questions about future U.S. support for Ukraine, with suggestions that the U.S. might push for a negotiated truce with Russia, an approach that could significantly impact Kyiv’s strategy.
Musk’s Role and Influence Under Scrutiny
Musk’s involvement in the Trump-Zelensky call has sparked speculation about his potential influence in the incoming administration. Having supported Trump with over $118 million in campaign contributions through his pro-Trump super PAC, Musk has voiced intentions to lead an effort to reduce federal spending. However, Musk’s ventures, including SpaceX, have benefited from substantial federal contracts with agencies like NASA and the military, adding complexity to his role as an advisor.
Starlink’s Role in Ukraine and Shifting Dynamics
Musk’s Starlink service has been crucial for Ukrainian forces since Russia’s 2022 invasion, providing communication capabilities in disrupted areas. Initially hailed by Ukraine, the relationship grew strained as Musk complained about service costs and implemented restrictions in conflict zones like Crimea. In 2023, the Pentagon agreed to fund Starlink’s use in Ukraine, adding a new layer to Musk’s influence on the battlefield.
Controversies Surrounding Musk’s Connections
Musk’s reported interactions with foreign leaders, including Russia’s Vladimir Putin, have prompted counterintelligence concerns among U.S. officials. A biography by Walter Isaacson revealed Musk had instructed his engineers to disable Starlink near Crimea in 2022 to thwart a Ukrainian offensive, fearing a potential nuclear response from Russia. Musk later clarified that Starlink was never operational in Crimea, though the incident underscored his influence in global conflicts.
Growing National Security Concerns
Recent reports indicate Musk and Putin have been in “regular contact” since late 2022, discussing “personal topics, business, and geopolitical tensions.” This connection has raised national security concerns due to Musk’s access to sensitive U.S. government information through contracts with agencies like NASA and the military. While Musk did not comment, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Musk and Putin only discussed “space and future technologies” in a single call.Musk did not respond to the Journal’s requests for comment. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the newspaper that Musk and Putin have only had one telephone call in which they discussed “space as well as current and future technologies.”
