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| A composite image featuring (from left) Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and former President Donald Trump. (AFP) |
According to Axios, Ukraine's President Zelensky called former President Trump on Wednesday to congratulate him on his election win.
- Trump reportedly expressed his support for Ukraine, though without offering specific details, while Musk is said to have committed to continuing the provision of Starlink satellite services.
WASHINGTON: When Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called Donald Trump to congratulate him on his election victory, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a Trump supporter, reportedly joined the conversation, according to media reports on Friday. The 25-minute call, which took place on Wednesday, the day after the election, saw Trump assure Zelensky of his support for Ukraine, though without providing specifics. Musk, meanwhile, pledged to continue supplying Starlink satellites, which are critical to Ukraine’s defense efforts, Axios reported, citing unnamed sources.
Musk, who owns SpaceX, the company providing Starlink satellite communication services, has played a key role in supporting Ukraine’s wartime communications. However, his statements and actions have occasionally sparked tensions with Kyiv since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
According to the Washington Post, Zelensky had been explaining the importance of the Starlink satellites for Ukraine’s internet services during the war when Trump reportedly told him that Musk was “with him” and then put Musk on the line.
The call reportedly took place at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s Palm Beach residence and club, as confirmed by the New York Times.
Musk has been a vocal supporter of Trump, contributing millions to his campaign and appearing with him publicly. Trump has also suggested offering Musk a role in his administration focused on promoting government efficiency.
Musk did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and the Trump campaign declined to comment on private conversations.
Zelensky was one of the first world leaders to congratulate Trump, who has often criticized U.S. military and financial support for Ukraine in its war against Russia.
In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Zelensky said he and Trump agreed to maintain a "close dialogue" and advance their cooperation. "Strong and unwavering U.S. leadership is vital for the world and for a just peace," the Ukrainian president added.
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