Elon Musk stops Russian warlord by disabling fortified Cybertruck

Cybertruck Controversy

Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov has launched a tirade against Elon Musk, accusing the Tesla CEO of remotely disabling his modified Cybertruck. Kadyrov, a close ally of Vladimir Putin, had previously claimed the pickup as a gift from Musk and hinted at deploying it in the conflict in Ukraine.

Musk’s Alleged “Bad Behavior”

Kadyrov expressed outrage over Musk’s alleged actions, labeling his behavior as “bad” and “unmanly.” In a Telegram post, he wrote, “Elon Musk behaved badly. He gives expensive gifts from the heart, and then turns them off remotely.” Kadyrov further lamented, “How could you do that, Elon?”

Musk’s Denial and Kadyrov’s Reputational Quirks

Musk has vehemently denied donating the Cybertruck to Kadyrov. Kadyrov, known for his eccentric social media antics, has a history of controversial behavior and repressive rule. He claimed that the Cybertruck performed well in combat, suggesting its deployment in Ukraine.

Experts’ Skepticism

Despite Kadyrov’s claims, experts question the practicality of using the Cybertruck as a combat vehicle. Mark Cancian, a security advisor at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, believes the vehicle would be “totally useless” on the battlefield due to its weight, limited range, and lack of charging infrastructure in conflict zones.

Cybertruck’s Mysterious Acquisition

The origins of Kadyrov’s possession of the Cybertruck remain unclear. While direct exports from the US to Chechnya are prohibited due to sanctions, experts speculate that it could have been resold via a third country. Tesla did not comment on the matter despite a request for clarification.

Warlord’s Outrage and Putin’s Allegiance

Kadyrov’s outburst highlights his loyalty to Putin, despite the Russian leader’s widely condemned invasion of Ukraine. The warlord’s actions and rhetoric align with his support for Putin’s regime, even as the international community voices condemnation.

Questions of Responsibility and Ethics

The incident raises broader questions about the ethical implications of remotely controlling technology. Musk’s alleged actions demonstrate the potential for such technology to be used in ways that impact individuals and geopolitical situations. Whether Musk’s actions were justified or an abuse of power remains a subject of debate.