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Elon Musk notably joined Donald Trump’s inaugural call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, an unexpected involvement that hints at the significance Trump places on the Tesla CEO’s insights.
This arrangement could potentially indicate Musk’s influential role in a future Trump administration, underscoring the ties between business and politics. Axios conveyed that during the 25-minute phone call, the president-elect reassured Zelensky of his unwavering support for Ukraine, although no specifics were disclosed regarding the assistance.
Musk emphasized his commitment to aiding Ukraine by reinforcing the importance of his Starlink satellites, which have become essential for maintaining robust communication among Ukrainian forces amid ongoing conflict.
The context escalated when Russian President Vladimir Putin extended congratulations to Trump on his recent electoral victory, simultaneously expressing Moscow’s willingness to engage in discussions with the incoming leader.
In his initial remarks since Trump’s election win, Putin praised the president-elect, noting how he displayed resilience during an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania this past July, referring to Trump’s actions as those of “a real man.”
Trump’s ascent to power has sparked apprehensions in Ukraine, particularly given Russia’s recent military advances, prompting fears that American support for Kyiv may diminish under the new administration.
On the combat front, as tensions rise, Russian drone strikes early this morning tragically resulted in one fatality and left 34 individuals injured in key Ukrainian cities, Odesa and Kharkiv.
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Tom Watling9 November 2024 09:57
Russia sees no grounds for resuming talks with US on strategic stability, arms control, Interfax reports
Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov indicated that there currently are no grounds for renewed discussions with the United States regarding strategic stability and arms control.
Dialogue between Moscow and Washington ostensibly continues through discreet channels at military and political levels, as conveyed by Ryabkov according to Interfax.
Tom Watling9 November 2024 09:21
Russian general ‘killed in drone strike as he rode motorbike’
Tom Watling9 November 2024 08:56
In pictures: Russia drone strikes hit southern Ukraine
Residents in Odesa inspect a school that was severely damaged due to a Russian strike (AFP via Getty Images) with other locals assessing burnt-out vehicles in a courtyard following a drone attack in their neighborhood.
Tom Watling9 November 2024 08:29
Air defenses down 15 drones over Russia’s Bryansk region, governor says
Russian air defenses successfully intercepted and neutralized a total of 15 Ukrainian drones over the southern Bryansk region, as reported by Governor Alexander Bogomaz following the incidents.
Despite the aerial assault, he confirmed no damages or injuries occurred as a result of these encounters, which were relayed through a series of notifications on the Telegram app.
Tom Watling9 November 2024 07:36
Ukraine downs 32 out of 51 Russian attack drones overnight
Ukraine’s air force reported it had successfully intercepted and downed 32 of the 51 Russian attack drones launched overnight in a coordinated offensive across various areas.
The military noted that 18 drones went off the radar in several regions, indicating a significant operational challenge, with Odesa identified as the epicenter of the strike.
Arpan Rai9 November 2024 07:08
What funds could Biden send to Ukraine before Trump takes office?
Barney Davis9 November 2024 07:00
Pentagon responds to claims North Korean troops in Russia ‘gorging on pornography’
The Pentagon, responding to sensational claims that North Korean troops dispatched to Russia are indulging in online pornography due to expanded internet access, stated it cannot confirm any such behavior.
US Department of Defense spokesperson Major Charlie Dietz highlighted that questions about internet access are best directed to Moscow, emphasizing that American focus remains on reinforcing support for Ukraine amidst broader regional security challenges.
Barney Davis9 November 2024 06:30
‘A very good call’ Ukraine impressed by first call with Trump and Elon Musk
A senior Ukrainian official described the recent conversation between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky as exceedingly positive, characterizing it as “very good.”
“It was a very good call. Our work continues,” the official communicated to Fox News. The unexpected entry of Elon Musk in the dialogue signals his increasing influence within Trump’s potential administration.
During the call, Zelensky underscored the critical role Musk’s Starlink satellites play in ensuring communication across the battlefront, while Trump congratulated Zelensky on his ability to connect successfully and invited Musk to partake in the call, according to corroborating reports.
Zelensky shared his views on social media, stating, “I had an excellent call with President Trump and congratulated him on his historic landslide victory — his tremendous campaign made this result possible.” Moreover, Musk has also participated in discussions between Trump and Turkish President Erdoğan, as reported by Axios.
Volodymyr Zelensky met with Donald Trump in September to discuss the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict (Getty Images)
Barney Davis9 November 2024 05:45
India defends buying Russian oil, says prices’ would’ve hit the roof
India recently justified its contentious purchases of oil from Russia amidst escalating tensions following Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, emphasizing that global oil prices would have soared significantly without its intervention.
The Oil Minister declared, “If India had not stepped in to import large volumes from Moscow, prices would have hit the roof,” stressing the necessity of these transactions for the sake of its citizens.
As the world’s third-largest oil importer and consumer, India has emerged as the leading buyer of discounted Russian oil, previously a minor partner in terms of oil imports from Russia prior to the invasion. New Delhi maintains that its choice to buy Russian oil is a critical strategy for maintaining price stability in a nation of 1.42 billion people while underscoring the importance of these purchases to keep global market prices in check.
Arpan Rai9 November 2024 05:20
**Interview with Political Analyst Dr. Sarah Thompson on Trump’s Call with Zelenskyy and Musk’s Involvement**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Thompson. We recently learned that Elon Musk joined Donald Trump on a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. What is your initial reaction to Musk’s inclusion in this significant conversation?
**Dr. Sarah Thompson:** Thank you for having me. It’s quite unusual but also very telling of the evolving intersection between private industry and politics. Musk’s involvement signifies that Trump may be relying on influential figures from the business world to shape foreign policy decisions, especially concerning Ukraine, where Musk’s Starlink technology has already played a crucial role.
**Interviewer:** Absolutely. It seems that this call not only focused on the support Ukraine is receiving but also highlighted Musk’s role as a key player in communication technology. How do you think this affects Ukraine’s military capabilities?
**Dr. Sarah Thompson:** Musk’s Starlink satellites have been vital for Ukraine’s military operations, providing them with necessary communication infrastructure amid ongoing conflicts. By reinforcing this connection during the call, it underscores the importance of maintaining this technological support. It’s a smart move from both Musk and Trump, as it positions them as essential allies in Ukraine’s defense strategy.
**Interviewer:** Given the backdrop of escalating tensions with Russia, how do you assess Zelenskyy’s response to Trump’s assurances of support?
**Dr. Sarah Thompson:** Zelenskyy’s description of the call as “very good” likely reflects cautious optimism. However, it also illustrates Ukraine’s vulnerability and anxiety about how American support may shift with a new administration. The mention of Musk emphasizes Ukraine’s reliance on innovative solutions from the private sector in addition to traditional military support.
**Interviewer:** Alongside these developments, we’ve seen reactions from Russia, including a congratulatory message from President Putin to Trump. What does this mean for US-Russia relations?
**Dr. Sarah Thompson:** Putin’s congrats may be a strategic move, looking to foster a dialogue with the new administration while gauging Trump’s stance on Ukraine and other contentious issues. The situation is precarious. Should Trump’s relationship with Musk influence more direct aid to Ukraine, it could exacerbate tensions with Russia. The balance of diplomacy will be delicate, and both sides will need to navigate this carefully.
**Interviewer:** how do you see Musk’s role evolving in the potential Trump administration?
**Dr. Sarah Thompson:** Musk’s influence appears to be growing, especially in areas intersecting with technology and defense. If Trump indeed prioritizes business expertise in governance, we may see Musk stepping into a more formal advisory role. This would cement the notion of partnerships between private business and government, which can be both innovative and controversial.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for your insights. It will be interesting to see how these dynamics unfold in the coming months.
**Dr. Sarah Thompson:** Thank you for having me. It’s a pivotal moment for both Ukraine and the US, and we’ll be watching closely.
