- Kadyrov, the chief of Chechnya, boasted about the cybertruck.
Russlan Kadyrov, a Russian powerbroker currently under international sanctions, bragged on his Telegram account about receiving a Cybertruck from Tesla, an American car manufacturer. Kadyrov, who leads the Chechen Republic in the North Caucasus, claimed the vehicle, dubbed the "Cybermonster," was gifted to him by Tesla CEO Elon Musk. "An unbeatable and swift monster," he proclaimed.
Following a visit to Grozny's center, Kadyrov was seen on the truck, sporting ammunition cartridges around his neck and a mounted machine gun. He chuckled, stating the "Cybermonster" would soon be deployed in Russia's conflict against Ukraine.
Kadyrov is no stranger to global condemnation over his brutal treatment of human rights. Accusations against him include political assassinations, torture of inmates, and abductions. His regime is allied with the Kremlin, and he regularly crams public offices with family members, disregarding Russian law with the Kremlin's silent consent. Alongside a clip of the Cybertruck (which retails over 100,000 euros), Kadyrov shared footage of Ukrainian casualties and prisoners.
Much like countless other Russian authorities, Kadyrov is under Western sanctions. The video also functions as a warning to the West that top Russian politicians still manage to acquire luxury items unrestricted, smuggled in through international intermediaries. Kadyrov maintains strong links to the United Arab Emirates.
In his broadcast, Kadyrov expressed gratitude, "Elon, thank you!" It was unclear whether the vehicle was a gift. He also invited Musk to Chechnya. "I heartily thank Elon Musk! He is, without a doubt, the strongest brainwork of our era and an expert. A remarkable man!", Kadyrov proclaimed, claiming to have developed a romantic attachment - to the car.
The European Union could potentially impose additional sanctions on Russlan Kadyrov due to his association with human rights violations. Despite being under international sanctions, Kadyrov receives support from countries like the United Arab Emirates.
