Elon Musk and Vladimir Putin: The Mystery of Regular Contact

Late-Revealed Report Casting Doubt

The recent news from the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) has brought to light an unexpected revelation: Elon Musk, the high-profile American billionaire and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, had been in regular contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin since late 2022. This revelation is especially intriguing given Musk’s political leanings and business dealings. The news was initially overshadowed by similar claims, albeit claims debunked by the former U.S. President Donald Trump, who firmly denied any communication with Putin after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Key Players in the Drama

Elon Musk: Often in headlines due to his technological innovations and high-profile status, Musk’s influence extends through his business empire, including social media platforms hosting billions of users.

Vladimir Putin: Russia’s long-serving president remains at the center of international geopolitics, with Ukraine serving as a hotbed of international tension.

Sergei Kiriyenko: A key figure in the story is Sergei Kiriyenko, known for his complicated relation to both liberal economic reforms and Russian politics. He started as a young prime minister in the 1990s before shifting towards Putin’s camp.

Exploring Kiriyenko’s Path

From Young Reformer to Putin’s Side

Kiriyenko’s career is a telling example of Russia’s political shifts. Initially heralded as a ‘young reformer,’ his time as prime minister was short-lived due to economic crises. Despite his liberal leanings, his loyalty shifted as he found himself in key posts under Putin’s administration, including as his first deputy chief of staff.

The Role of Crimean Annexation

Upon the annexation of Crimea in 2014, Kiriyenko’s role expanded to dealing with Russian-occupied regions, including managing ‘sham referendums’ in occupied Ukrainian territories, reported by independent outlets.

Family Connections

Not merely a political figure, Kiriyenko’s family also wields influence. His son, Vladimir, was appointed CEO of VKontakte, a state-owned social media site, demonstrating the interconnectedness of family and state interests.

External Influence and Digital Dividends

Given Musk’s technological influence, his supposed conversation with Kiriyenko carries weight. Dr. Ruth Deyermond, a senior lecturer in Post-Soviet Security, highlights his influence on shaping U.S. opinion via social media.

According to a report by the U.S. Justice Department, Kiriyenko is tied to multiple domains involved in Russian propaganda, indicating a possible intersection of digital policy and geopolitical interests.

The Broader Picture

The news highlights a timely theme—how influential individuals can influence and be influenced by authoritarian regimes. Such relationships, especially involving technology leaders like Musk, are concerning in the context of current conflicts and contemporary geopolitics.

Take a Closer Look

This truth is especially pertinent in the context of the current U.S. presidential race, where Musk’s views on Russia align closely with Putin’s official narratives. Indeed, Musk’s political alignment adds another layer to the ongoing debate over Russian influence.

Conclusion

The story of Elon Musk and Sergei Kiriyenko reveals a potential nexus of political and technological collaboration. The implications challenge the global perception of how influential tech figures can be coerced or enticed into promoting state interests.

Call to Action: Do you think Elon Musk’s influence on U.S. policy should be a concern? Share your thoughts in the comments below!