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Elon Musk notably participated in Donald Trump’s initial conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, signaling the high regard Trump holds for the influential Tesla and SpaceX chief.
This engagement potentially indicates Musk’s prospective involvement or advisory role in a future Trump administration, highlighting the intersection of business and politics.
According to Axios, during the 25-minute phone call, President-elect Trump assured Zelensky of his commitment to supporting Ukraine, leaving specific details sparse as they discussed the ongoing conflict.
Musk, addressing the critical nature of Ukraine’s communication needs, reaffirmed his commitment to the nation by continuing to provide support through his Starlink satellite network, which has proven vital for Ukrainian military operations on the front lines.
Simultaneously, Russian President Vladimir Putin extended congratulations to Trump on his electoral victory, asserting that Moscow is poised for dialogue with the upcoming U.S. administration, which adds another layer to the geopolitical landscape.
In a notable comment, Putin remarked on Trump’s handling of an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania last July, praising him for demonstrating resilience during a trying episode.
However, Trump’s ascendance to power has stirred anxiety in Ukraine, particularly as Russian forces have intensified their offensive actions, leading to widespread fears about a potential reduction in U.S. defense assistance to Kyiv.
In a sobering turn of events, Russian drone strikes early this morning claimed at least one life and left 34 others injured in the cities of Odesa and Kharkiv, underscoring the precarious situation on the ground.
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Ben Wallace says momentum has dropped back on Ukraine
Former defense secretary Sir Ben Wallace expressed that the UK’s momentum in supporting Ukraine has significantly declined.
In an interview with the BBC, Sir Ben stated that the UK’s leadership role on Ukraine has “started to drop back into the… pack” and emphasized that sustained efforts in government require daily diligence to effectuate real change.
His insights stem from a tenure where he observed firsthand the impact of Britain’s stance in galvanizing broad support from European allies for Ukraine.
Amid growing uncertainty over the future of U.S. assistance to Kyiv following Trump’s recent election victory, his comments echo a palpable concern among allies.
During his appearance on Radio 4’s Today programme, Sir Ben noted, “What has happened is the leadership that Britain showed right from the start has started to drop back into the sort of pack.” He highlighted that cross-party consensus in Parliament was crucial for establishing a position of leadership in relation to Ukraine.
He further stated, “I definitely have a sense that that momentum has dropped back, and my experience of government is if you want to really drive things, you have to really do it every single day.”
“You can’t just do a statement and then float around.”
(PA Wire)
Tom Watling9 November 2024 11:27
EU foreign policy chief arrives in Kyiv
The European Union’s outgoing top diplomat Josep Borrell has arrived in Kyiv, indicating ongoing EU support for Ukraine during these tumultuous times.
Tom Watling9 November 2024 11:00
EU leaders tell Trump to stand up to ‘bully’ Putin as Starmer is warned Britain can’t rely on US for defence
Tom Watling9 November 2024 10:28
A Ukraine medic fell in love with a soldier. They died together
Tom Watling9 November 2024 09:57
Russia sees no grounds for resuming talks with US on strategic stability, arms control, Interfax reports
Russia’s foreign ministry sees no grounds for talking about resuming dialogue on strategic stability and arms control with the United States at the moment, Interfax reported Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying on Saturday.
Ryabkov said that Moscow and Washington “are exchanging signals on Ukraine“ through closed channels at the military and political levels, 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
People gather outside a school damaged as a result of a Russian strike in Odesa (AFP via Getty Images)Local residents inspect burnt-out cars in the courtyard of a residential building following a drone attack in Odesa (AFP via Getty Images)Local residents inspect burnt-out cars in the courtyard of a residential building following a drone attack in Odesa (AFP via Getty Images)
Tom Watling9 November 2024 08:29
Air defences down 15 drones over Russia’s Bryansk region, governor says
Russian air defenses intercepted and destroyed 15 Ukrainian drones over the southern Bryansk region, the regional governor said early on Saturday.
Bryansk Regional Governor Alexander Bogomaz issued a series of statements on the Telegram app, indicating that there was no damage or injuries linked to the incidents.
Tom Watling9 November 2024 07:36
Ukraine downs 32 out of 51 Russian attack drones overnight
Ukraine has successfully downed 32 out of a total of 51 Russian attack drones launched overnight, its air force reported in an update this morning.
Of these, 18 drones went off radar in various regions across Ukraine during the operations, demonstrating a robust defensive response.
The Ukrainian military indicated that the assault involved Russian “Shahed-type” attack drones, with Odesa identified as the main focal point 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
News
**Interview with Political Analyst Alex Thompson on Elon Musk’s Role in Trump’s Call with Ukraine’s Zelensky**
**Host**: Welcome to our podcast where we delve into the most pressing news stories. Today, we’re discussing the surprising involvement of Elon Musk in a recent phone call between Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Joining us is political analyst Alex Thompson. Alex, thanks for being here.
**Alex Thompson**: Thank you for having me.
**Host**: Let’s get right into it. Musk’s participation in this call seems unexpected. What do you think it signifies about his influence and potential role in politics?
**Alex Thompson**: Musk’s presence underscores the increasingly blurred lines between business and politics. His involvement reflects not only his personal influence but also the high regard that Trump holds for him. It’s a strong indication that Musk may be positioning himself as an important advisor or influencer in a future Trump administration, particularly given the strategic discussions surrounding Ukraine.
**Host**: That’s a fascinating point. During this 25-minute call, Trump expressed his commitment to supporting Ukraine, but what do you think this means for U.S.-Ukraine relations going forward?
**Alex Thompson**: Trump’s commitment is critical, especially as anxiety grows in Ukraine regarding the potential for decreased U.S. support. His assurance is likely aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s morale amidst ongoing attacks by Russian forces. However, the specifics of that support are crucial; it’s one thing to express support, but there needs to be tangible aid and military assistance to ensure Ukraine can withstand ongoing aggression.
**Host**: Speaking of support, Musk reaffirmed his commitment to Ukraine via his Starlink service. How do you view the implications of this for both Ukraine and Musk’s business interests?
**Alex Thompson**: Musk’s continued provision of Starlink is vital for Ukraine, especially for military communication. This technological backbone not only aids the Ukrainian efforts but also elevates Musk’s brand as a corporate leader who contributes to crisis efforts. It raises questions about the ethical responsibilities of tech leaders in conflict zones, but it also positions Musk as a critical player in geopolitical discussions.
**Host**: What’s your take on the geopolitical dynamics at play with Trump’s return to power and Putin’s reaction to that?
**Alex Thompson**: Putin’s congratulatory message to Trump subtly signals his expectation of a collaborative approach moving forward. This development adds tension to U.S.-Russia relations, especially against the backdrop of ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Allies like Ukraine are understandably anxious; they fear that a Trump presidency might result in less unwavering support, particularly as forces like NATO and the European Union have been primarily backing Kyiv.
**Host**: And with ongoing drone strikes in Ukraine and statements from figures like Sir Ben Wallace about the UK’s momentum in supporting Ukraine, it appears the situation is precarious. What should we be watching for in the coming weeks?
**Alex Thompson**: We need to closely monitor how the U.S. articulates its post-election foreign policy, particularly in relation to Ukraine. The rhetoric and actions from the Trump administration, along with how allies respond, will shape the future of geopolitical alliances and military support frameworks. Additionally, any shifts in public sentiment regarding the war in Ukraine will directly influence government actions across Europe and North America, so those are key indicators to watch.
**Host**: Thank you, Alex, for your valuable insights on this developing story. It seems there are many layers to unpack in this evolving geopolitical landscape.
**Alex Thompson**: Absolutely. It will be interesting to see how these dynamics unfold in the coming months.
**Host**: That’s all for today. Thank you for tuning in, and we’ll keep you updated as the story develops.
