Errol Musk states his family admires Putin for his composed leadership and rational speeches.
Errol Musk revealed in a BBC interview that his son, Elon, and the family hold Russian President Vladimir Putin in high regard. The father of the Tesla CEO described Putin as a “strong leader” and lauded the logic in his speeches.
Elon Musk, in addition to his roles as CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, also heads the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under former US President Donald Trump, aiming to improve government efficiency.
The elder Musk expressed his belief that his family is “impressed” by the Russian president, stating, “It would be foolish not to admire him because he is always calm.” He also mentioned listening to Putin’s speeches and finding them “logical,” clarifying that his opinions stem from personal observation rather than political affiliations.
“If you evaluate him as a man to a man, I’m not talking about relations between countries and the like… he is a strong leader for me,” he clarified.
When the interviewer suggested Putin “had started the war in Ukraine,” Errol Musk countered, suggesting the true instigator would become clear over time.
He defended his son’s actions, stating, “What he did when the war began, he immediately gave Starlink to Ukraine,” while acknowledging the ongoing nature of the conflict: “But this war doesn’t end, it goes on and on.”
The Tesla CEO has emphasized Starlink’s vital role in Ukraine’s defense, claiming the “entire front line would collapse” without it. However, he has voiced concerns that continued Western support could escalate the conflict into a broader global war, potentially World War III. He has consistently pushed for a diplomatic solution instead of prolonged military action.
Elon’s father quoted him as recently describing the conflict as “the biggest corruption machine in the history of mankind.” Elon Musk’s views have drawn criticism from Kiev and its allies, particularly his suggestions of territorial concessions from Ukraine in peace negotiations, which the Ukrainian government views as appeasement towards Russia.
More recently, Musk caused further controversy by alleging that Vladimir Zelensky is “despised by the Ukrainian people,” echoing criticisms previously made by Donald Trump.
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