ZELENSKYY ON MUSK’S SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE: “I DON’T KNOW”
Asked by PBS whether Elon Musk supports Ukraine and wants it to win, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy answered: “I don’t know, really, between us.” Asked to describe his relationship with President Trump, he chose one word: “Emotional.”
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Starlink while saying some of Musk’s public messages did not reflect a pro-Ukrainian position. His uncertainty carries weight when Ukrainian forces depend on communications services controlled by Musk’s company.
Meanwhile, Musk has committed more than $445 million to Republican political groups this election cycle, according to WIRED’s review of campaign filings. His political operation has invested heavily in the Texas Senate race, backing Ken Paxton against Democrat James Talarico. The outcome remains to be decided.
Congressional scrutiny has already begun. Senator Richard Blumenthal announced an inquiry into Starlink and Starshield restrictions affecting Ukraine, seeking answers about who authorised them and what safeguards govern services purchased with public money. Democrats have also signalled broader investigations if they gain control of congressional committees.
Musk has spent heavily to influence the political landscape. Whether that investment succeeds is for voters to determine. But questions about Ukraine’s access to essential communications deserve answers regardless of which party wins: decisions affecting soldiers’ safety must be accountable to more than one billionaire’s judgment.