Kremlin Dismisses Reports of Secret Putin-Musk Talks Amid US Election Tensions

MOSCOW — The Kremlin on Friday rejected allegations that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk have been in regular private contact since 2022. The denial followed a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report alleging that Putin had discussed both personal and geopolitical matters with Musk, even asking him to withhold his Starlink satellite service over Taiwan as a favor to China.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the report as "absolutely false information published in the newspaper" and labeled it as likely "another fake story" intended to influence the U.S. election climate. “It’s all untrue,” he told journalists, asserting that Putin had spoken to Musk only once, during a brief conversation before 2022.

Peskov Affirms Only One Contact Between Musk and Putin

Peskov clarified that the single conversation between Putin and Musk was a medium-length call focused on "visionary technology" for future development, with no political or strategic requests discussed. "It was a fact-finding conversation," Peskov said, reiterating that no further communications have taken place between the two men since that initial call.

Addressing the specific claims made in the WSJ report, Peskov firmly denied any interaction between Musk and Putin on issues involving Starlink, Taiwan, or other high-stakes geopolitical topics. He attributed the allegations to an ongoing U.S. election campaign environment, which he described as being “heated to the limit” with misleading stories.

US Media and the Alleged “Geopolitical Favor”

The WSJ report suggested that Putin asked Musk to refrain from activating Starlink satellite services over Taiwan, purportedly to appease Chinese leader Xi Jinping. While Musk has acknowledged speaking with Putin once in the past about space, he refuted claims of any ongoing communications with the Russian president on sensitive political topics.

Adding complexity, a former Russian intelligence officer cited by U.S. media outlets reportedly confirmed that Putin had indeed made the request to Musk regarding Starlink in Taiwan during a conversation last year. However, without official validation or corroborating evidence, the authenticity of these claims remains in question.

Musk’s Position on Global Politics and Business Interests

Elon Musk, known for his powerful influence in both the technology sector and global policy conversations, has been a prominent figure due to his Starlink internet project and his close ties with U.S. governmental and military institutions. Although Musk has occasionally commented on foreign affairs, he has publicly dismissed claims of extensive conversations with foreign leaders on sensitive or potentially security-compromising matters.

Over recent months, Musk’s decisions on Starlink usage in Ukraine and Taiwan have sparked both support and scrutiny. Earlier this year, Musk was accused of selling Starlink terminals to Russia amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict—an assertion Musk swiftly denied as “false.” However, the accusations reflect the intense global attention on his potential influence in geopolitics due to his pioneering projects.

Kremlin Calls the Report a US Election Tactic

Peskov speculated that the WSJ story might be an attempt to sway the American electorate ahead of the U.S. election cycle. "A week ago, they were saying Putin chats to [former President] Trump all day; now he allegedly speaks to Musk," Peskov remarked, noting the timing and scope of such claims as potentially connected to election strategies.

In a parallel report, journalist Bob Woodward's recent book “War” claims that Trump sent COVID-19 test kits to Putin and maintained a post-presidency communication line with him. Peskov confirmed the COVID-19 test shipments but denied allegations of any calls between Putin and Trump after Trump’s term ended. Given the book’s release and ongoing media coverage, some analysts suggest that U.S.-Russia narratives are becoming increasingly politicized.

The US Government's Response to Musk’s Activities

The U.S. government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the Kremlin’s denial of the WSJ report or Musk’s alleged interactions with Putin. However, Musk's close involvement with U.S. military operations and federal agencies has stirred questions regarding his international relations and their implications on national security.

The New York Times recently highlighted Musk’s extensive government contracts, estimated at $3 billion last year alone. With over 100 federal projects involving his companies, Musk holds a unique position of influence and access to classified information that makes any alleged interaction with foreign leaders highly consequential.

Musk’s Future Role and Possible Political Appointments

Musk’s influence has reached beyond business and technology, with speculation that he could play a prominent role in a potential future Trump administration. Karoline Leavitt, a national press secretary for Trump’s campaign, praised Musk as an industry innovator and highlighted the alignment of Musk’s vision with Trump’s "peace through strength" approach.

The Trump campaign has floated the possibility of appointing Musk to an administrative position focused on government efficiency if Trump secures another term in office. While such speculation remains hypothetical, it underscores the increasing intersection between Musk’s corporate interests and U.S. politics, particularly in an era where international tensions and digital dominance are significant policy concerns.

Impact on International Relations and Public Perception

If true, the alleged Putin-Musk communications could create tensions for U.S. foreign policy, especially concerning U.S.-Russia relations and Taiwan’s geopolitical standing. Although unverified, the report has nonetheless brought attention to the broad scope of influence held by billionaires in contemporary diplomacy and global power dynamics. As Musk continues to develop global infrastructure, his technology increasingly intersects with international policies, potentially challenging governmental authority over such matters.

Nevertheless, the Kremlin’s firm denial, coupled with Musk’s own disavowal, places the burden of proof on media sources and investigative reports. The current lack of concrete evidence leaves public and governmental perceptions divided.