Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of Russia’s Chechen Republic, recently revealed that Tesla’s futuristic Cybertruck will be supplied to Russian forces currently engaged in the ongoing war in Ukraine. This surprising announcement was made after Kadyrov publicly praised Tesla CEO Elon Musk, describing him as a visionary and extending a personal invitation for Musk to visit his region. The announcement follows the release of a dramatic video in which Kadyrov is seen driving a Cybertruck equipped with a mounted gun, underscoring the vehicle’s potential military applications.
In the video, which was posted on Kadyrov’s official Telegram channel on Saturday, the Chechen leader can be seen maneuvering the Cybertruck through the streets of Grozny, the capital city of Chechnya. The video captures Kadyrov as he navigates the imposing, angular vehicle, showcasing its durability and unique design. The scene escalates when Kadyrov steps out of the Cybertruck and is later seen standing beside a machine gun mounted on its roof, emphasizing the vehicle’s readiness for combat scenarios.
Accompanying the video was a message from Kadyrov, in which he expressed his deep appreciation for Elon Musk, referring to the tech mogul as “the strongest genius of our time” and “a great man.” Kadyrov’s words reflect his admiration for Musk’s technological innovations and perhaps an alignment of interests given the Cybertruck’s potential use in military contexts. He went on to invite Musk to visit Grozny, assuring him that he would be treated as “my most dear guest,” a statement likely aimed at reinforcing ties with the influential billionaire. Kadyrov also mentioned that he did not anticipate any objections from the Russian Foreign Ministry regarding Musk’s potential visit, suggesting that such a trip could have political or strategic significance.
Kadyrov, who is known for his unwavering support of Russian President Vladimir Putin, also announced his intention to donate the Cybertruck to Russian military forces fighting in Ukraine. He described the vehicle in glowing terms, calling it a “cyberbeast” and asserting that it is “undoubtedly one of the best cars in the world.” Kadyrov expressed his confidence that this “beast” would prove to be a valuable asset on the battlefield, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of Russian troops in the ongoing conflict.
Kadyrov’s connection to the Cybertruck is particularly striking given his controversial background. He has been sanctioned by the United States for various alleged human rights violations, including torture and extrajudicial killings. Despite these sanctions, Kadyrov continues to hold considerable power in the region and remains an influential figure in Russia’s political sphere. His claim that he obtained the Cybertruck directly from Elon Musk adds further intrigue to the situation. However, this claim has not been independently confirmed.
It appears that Kadyrov’s remarks were likely misunderstood, leading some to believe that Musk had personally sent the vehicle. This quickly escalated into a flurry of misinformation and speculation. Musk responded on Twitter, expressing disbelief, saying, “Are you seriously so ret***ed that you think I donated a Cybertruck to a Russian general? That’s amazing,” and added that this incident is “Yet another example of how much the legacy media lies.”
Questions still linger about how Kadyrov actually acquired the vehicle.
The appearance of the Cybertruck in a military context raises broader questions about the potential use of advanced civilian technologies in warfare, as well as the implications of such developments on international relations. Kadyrov’s public endorsement of Musk and the Cybertruck could be seen as part of a broader strategy to align with global technological trends while also showcasing the adaptability of such innovations to the specific needs of the Russian military.