WSJ reported that Musk and Putin have been holding secret talks for two years. Ukraine responded

Several current and former officials from the United States, Europe and Russia confirmed that the topics in Musk and Putin’s discussions are related to geopolitics and geopolitical issues, business and personal matters.

According to WSJ sources, Putin asked Musk not to activate Starlink Internet in Taiwan as a favor to Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

The publication notes that the billionaire became an active supporter of Donald Trump’s campaign this year. If the latter wins the elections, it could find a place for Musk in his administration. While the US and allies have tried to isolate Putin, Musk’s communication could signal renewed engagement with the Russian strongman and Trump’s desire to reach a deal, including Ukraine.

Musk’s ties to Putin have raised concerns among the Joe Biden administration. In addition, the billionaire has “established deep ties with the American military and intelligence services.” He may be aware of some sensitive space programs.

As the WSJ reminds us, Musk has long been interested in Russia and its space and rocket programs. He traveled to Moscow to buy missiles, although the deal fell through.

According to the authors, Musk’s talks with Putin also indicate that the American entrepreneur wants to “go deeper into geopolitics”. Musk has already met several times and discussed political issues with Argentine President Javier Miley, as well as former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.

According to sources, Elon Musk communicates not only with the dictator, but also with top Russian officials. One of his interlocutors was Sergei Kiriyenko, known as the curator of the occupied territories of Ukraine.

The WSJ also says that the restriction on Starlink use by the Ukrainian military coincided with “public and private pressure from the Kremlin” on Musk.

Ukraine’s response

Head of the Center for Combating Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council Andrey Kovalenko answered of The Wall Street Journal material.

“It’s bad that Musk communicated with Putin and turned a blind eye to Russia’s use of smuggled Starlinks,” he said.

According to Kovalenko, it is also bad that Musk communicates with Kiriyenko, who is responsible for propaganda against Ukraine, including the West. According to him, X (Twitter) – in addition to television, the main tool of Russian propaganda in the West and the Middle East.