Putin’s Request to Withhold Starlink from Taiwan
According to a recent report by The Wall Street Journal, Russian President Vladimir Putin approached Elon Musk with a request to withhold Starlink access from Taiwan as a favor to China. The outlet cites unnamed government officials who claim Musk has maintained regular communication with Putin since late 2022.
Moscow’s Growing Reliance on China
The report suggests that Putin’s request stemmed from Moscow’s increasing reliance on trade with China. As Russia faced sanctions and isolation following its invasion of Ukraine, it sought economic support from Beijing.
Implications for the United States
The allegations raise concerns for the United States, where Musk’s SpaceX holds significant defense and space contracts with the Pentagon and NASA. This revelation could strain relations between the US and SpaceX, potentially affecting defense and space exploration missions.
Musk’s Conversations with Putin
The Journal reports that in late 2023, Musk received Putin’s request to refrain from activating Starlink over Taiwan. A former Russian intelligence officer has corroborated the request. The report does not specify the frequency of Putin’s requests to Musk.
Taiwan’s Starlink Access
Taiwan does not currently have official Starlink access because its laws require satellite services to be provided through joint ventures with local operators. SpaceX reportedly declined such an arrangement, prompting Taiwan to establish its low-earth orbit satellite network.
Musk’s Shift in Rhetoric on Ukraine
Musk’s reported conversations with Putin coincide with a noticeable shift in his rhetoric toward Ukraine. In 2022, he initially supported Kyiv with Starlink terminals. However, he later sought funding from the Pentagon and suggested a peace plan favorable to Russia.
The Bremmer Report
Political scientist Ian Bremmer claimed that Musk had spoken to Putin before proposing his controversial peace plan. According to Bremmer, Putin threatened “major escalation” if he failed in Ukraine. Musk and the Kremlin have denied these allegations.
Musk’s Relationship with Trump
Musk’s reported conversations with Putin raise questions about his public support for former President Donald Trump. Trump’s campaign has praised Musk, while emphasizing his foreign policy stance against Russia. As election day nears, Musk’s relationship with Trump may come under scrutiny.
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