Elon Musk joined US President-elect Donald Trump’s phone call with Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky the day after Trump prevailed in the US election, Axios claimed on Friday.
According to sources familiar with the conversation, Trump reassured Zelensky of US support, though he avoided specific commitments on aid. At the same time, Musk added that he would keep supporting Ukraine with Starlink satellites, which have been a critical link for Ukraine’s communication and defense.
Both men have previously been critical of financial and military support for Ukraine, saying that Kiev cannot win the conflict.
The outlet described the move as a surprise that added a layer of intrigue to the call between the president-elect and the embattled leader in Kiev.
Musk’s involvement underscores his influence with Trump and his complex stance on the war, Axios added.
Earlier this year, Musk allegedly told Republican US senators during an X Spaces conversation that Ukraine could not realistically win against Russia.
“There is no way in hell [Russian President Vladimir] Putin is going to lose,” he reportedly said to Senators Ron Johnson and Mike Lee, among others. “This spending does not help Ukraine; prolonging the war does not help Ukraine. Having these boys die for nothing is wrong and needs to stop.”
Musk has also urged citizens to contact their representatives and oppose continued aid, comments that generated backlash for his perceived cynicism toward Ukraine’s cause.
The Biden administration is aiming to accelerate military assistance to Ukraine before the January 20 transfer of power, amid concerns Trump might cut support.
However, Trump’s call with Zelensky apparently sent a different message, with the Ukrainian leader later describing the conversation as “positive” and saying Trump’s outreach so soon after his victory was encouraging.
Yet Zelensky remains cautious. Speaking at a press event in Budapest on Thursday, he stressed that while he appreciated the prompt call, he “cannot yet know” what Trump’s actions will ultimately be. Zelensky added, “If it’s just fast, it means losses for Ukraine. I just don’t yet understand how this could be in any other way.”
During the campaign, Trump frequently pledged to end the conflict quickly but avoided detailing how.