A Cybertruck in Chechnya
Musk recently made headlines after Ramzan Kadyrov, a Chechnya leader, posted a video on Telegram where he appeared to be behind the wheel of a Tesla Cybertruck.
Source: Mylo Kaye/Pexels
The car also appeared to have a gun turret attached to it. Kadyrov thanked Musk for sending the car to him.
Thanking Musk
In the video, Kadyrov said, “Elon, thank you! Come to Grozny, I will receive you as my most dear guest!”
Source: Kremlin/Wikimedia Commons
The warlord, who is also a prominent ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, then said that he would send the truck to the battlefield in the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Online Speculation
Once this video was posted on Telegram, it quickly went viral and many people began to speculate about whether or not Kadyrov was telling the truth.
Source: Maxim/Unsplash
Musk has been involved in the Russia-Ukraine war before, as he has given Ukraine Starlink satellites to use. However, Ukraine has criticized the billionaire for some of his actions, as well.
Musk Denies Allegations
Since this news has become viral, Musk has denied the allegations on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Source: Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons
He wrote on X, “Are you seriously so [stupid] that you think I donated a Cybertruck to a Russian general?” He also attached laughing emojis to the post.
Musk Criticisms
Musk’s response to this post came after a journalist questioned the situation on X.
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Writer Seth Abramson wrote, “I’m confused. @WestPoint_USMA just had @ElonMusk as its convocation speaker, when Musk is providing vehicles ready for military use to sanctioned enemies of America? Why isn’t this the biggest story in America today? Why is West Point coddling a man working openly against the US?”
Blaming the ‘Legacy’ Media
Musk also added on X that the “legacy” media was to blame for this apparent issue.
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He said, “Yet another example of how much the legacy media lies.”
Musk vs the Media
Musk has increasingly gone against the media in recent years, particularly as he began to align with more conservative points of view.
Source: MINISTÉRIO DAS COMUNICAÇÕES/Wikimedia Commons
Most recently, Musk has decided to bring a lawsuit against Media Matters, a nonprofit watchdog group.
Musk Goes After Media Matters
This lawsuit comes after Media Matters released a report that revealed how many advertising posts on X were being shown near antisemitic or pro-Nazi content.
Source: Tingey Injury Law Firm/Unsplash
This caused many advertisers to either halt or completely stop spending on the platform, as many worried how this would affect their brand and company. They didn’t want to be seen near these types of posts.
Musk Denies X Allegations
Despite this report and its evidence, Musk has repeatedly denied these allegations and stated that this isn’t occurring on X.
Source: NASA/Wikimedia Commons
After many advertisers fled the site, Musk even went after these companies publicly and bashed them, further worsening his relationship with them, as well as with the media.
A Busy Year for Musk
Meanwhile, Musk has also made headlines for deciding to move his X and SpaceX headquarters from California to Texas, following the decision Tesla previously made.
Source: NASA/Wikimedia Commons
According to Musk, he had to make this move because of California’s laws about transgender children and students, which he disagreed with.
Ongoing Issues Between Musk and the Russia-Ukraine War
This latest development from a Chechen warlord further sheds light on Musk’s involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war. At the beginning of the war, Ukraine applauded Musk for helping them use Starlink satellites.
Source: ANIRUDH/Unsplash
However, reports that sellers have given Russia similar Starlink technology have made many criticize Musk.