President-elect Donald Trump Billionaire Elon Musk lined up with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy when the Ukrainian leader called to congratulate the incoming US president, according to a Ukrainian official with direct knowledge of the phone call.
The person, who was not authorized to comment publicly on the matter, confirmed that Zelenskyy and Musk spoke to Trump on the call, but Musk was reportedly absent for the entirety of Wednesday’s conversation. Trump apparently gave his phone to Musk, the person said, and the Ukrainian president thanked him SpaceX owner for helping his country gain access to the Starlink satellite Internet platform.
Musk’s presence on the call highlights his influence in the president-elect’s circle. Trump has speculated that Musk could have a formal role in his administration focused on government efficiency, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest given SpaceX’s lucrative government contracts.
Trump’s interactions with Zelenskyy are ongoing seen closely because he is preparing to take the presidency on January 20 and has He indicated a change Washington’s steadfast support for Ukraine against Russia’s nearly three-year invasion.
Trump has promised a swift end to the war and has suggested Kyiv must agree to cede some territory to Moscow in exchange for peace, a condition Zelenskyy has rejected.
It was under Trump that the United States first sent weapons to Ukraine in the fight against Russia in 2017. Those Javelin anti-tank missiles were critical to Ukraine’s initial ability to resist a full-scale invasion in 2022.
President Joe Biden’s administration has sent tens of billions of dollars in military and economic aid to Ukraine, drawing criticism from Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance, who are wary of US involvement in foreign conflicts and suggest the money could be better spent at home.
Trump has touted his good relationship with President Vladimir Putin and called the Russian leader “pretty smart” for invading Ukraine. He called Zelenskyy “the biggest salesman on earth” for winning US support.
Zelenskyy is one of a number of world leaders, business executives and political leaders who have spoken with Trump, who has been at his private club and residence in Florida, in the days since he won the White House.
The Trump transition said it would not comment on private meetings.
Axios was the first to report Musk’s presence on the Trump-Zelenskyy call.
Gomez Licon reported from West Palm Beach, Fla. and Miller reported from Washington.
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