A representative of the Ukrainian presidential office confirmed a media report from the US news website Axios in Kiev on Friday.
Another senior Ukrainian source said that Trump handed the phone to Musk during Wednesday’s call so that Musk and Zelensky “spoke briefly.”
The head of the electric car company Tesla and the space company SpaceX is a vehement supporter of Trump and helped finance his election campaign. Trump has designated him for a special position in which he will review the efficiency of the government apparatus, cut costs and fire officials.
Musk “regularly” in contact with Putin
The Wall Street Journal reported at the end of October that Musk had been in regular contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin since the end of 2022. Putin asked the entrepreneur not to make his Internet satellite service Starlink available to Taiwan out of consideration for China.
After Russia’s attack on Ukraine in February 2022, Musk made Starlink available to Ukraine. This meant that Ukrainians had access to the Internet, but the Ukrainian military could also use the service to wage war. Musk later restricted Starlink use for Ukraine again.
Trump, who says he has a “very good” relationship with Putin, has announced that he wants to end the Ukraine war within “24 hours” before he takes office. As the operator of SpaceX, Musk has close business ties to the US military and is also a keeper of secrets.
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**Interview Transcript: A Discussion on Musk’s Recent Involvement in US-Ukraine Relations**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, everyone. Today, we’re discussing the surprising connection between Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and Ukraine. Joining us is Dr. Sarah McClain, an expert in international relations and technology policy. Thank you for being here, Dr. McClain.
**Dr. Sarah McClain:** Thank you for having me!
**Interviewer:** Let’s dive right in. Elon Musk made a surprise appearance during a phone call between Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. What do you think this means for US-Ukraine relations moving forward?
**Dr. McClain:** Well, it’s definitely a notable development. Musk’s presence suggests that he continues to play a significant role in international politics as a tech entrepreneur. His involvement could potentially bridge gaps between the US government and Ukraine, especially if he leverages his resources and influence for positive change.
**Interviewer:** Right. Musk has shown a strong interest in Ukraine, particularly with his Starlink service. How do you see his relationship with both Trump and Zelensky impacting the situation on the ground in Ukraine?
**Dr. McClain:** Musk’s relationship with Trump could complicate things. Trump has expressed a desire to end the war quickly, which may conflict with current US strategies that support Ukraine. If Musk is tasked with assessing government efficiency, as reports suggest, he might advocate for measures that align with Trump’s approach. However, his technology could still provide critical support for Ukraine’s military and communication needs.
**Interviewer:** There have been reports of Musk being in regular contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin. How does that factor into this situation?
**Dr. McClain:** That’s an intriguing aspect. Musk’s communication with Putin raises questions about his geopolitical loyalties. While he has provided essential services to Ukraine, maintaining relations with Russia might influence how he navigates his contributions. It adds a layer of complexity regarding potential negotiations or compromises involving Ukraine, NATO, and the US.
**Interviewer:** Trump has said he wants to end the Ukraine war in 24 hours if elected. Do you think Musk’s presence in that conversation could make a difference?
**Dr. McClain:** It’s hard to say definitively. While Musk has significant influence because of his business ventures and public support, the reality of international politics often involves far more complexity than a quick resolution. His influence could help shape dialogue, but whether it leads to tangible changes on the ground remains uncertain.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. McClain, for your insights on this developing story. It seems we will continue to watch how these relationships evolve.
**Dr. McClain:** Absolutely, it’ll be interesting to see how this all unfolds in the coming weeks.
**Interviewer:** That’s all for today’s discussion. Thank you for tuning in, and we’ll keep you updated on this and other news stories.
