- Musk refutes claims of gifting a Cybertruck to Kadyrov
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, has denounced allegations that he gave a Cybertruck to Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. In response to a post by author Seth Abramson on platform X, Musk stated, "Are you genuinely that naive to believe I'd present a Russian military leader with a Cybertruck?" He labeled the claim as just another instance of mainstream media deceit.
Previously, Kadyrov had advertised owning a Tesla Cybertruck on his Telegram channel, claiming Musk bestowed upon him the "Cyberbeast". Posting from the capital Grozny, the 47-year-old was depicted in a video wearing bullet ammunition around his neck and posing beside a machine gun affixed to the truck. In the clip, Kadyrov acknowledged, "Elon, thanks!", but it was not clear if it was a gift. He further mentioned that the "Cyberbeast" would be utilized in Russia's conflict against Ukraine soon.
Like numerous other Russian officials, Kadyrov is subjected to Western sanctions. The video also serves as a demonstration to the West that the affluent and powerful in Russia can still acquire premium items, which are not authorized due to penalties. These luxury imports are facilitated through intermediaries abroad. Kadyrov, for instance, has strong ties to the United Arab Emirates.
Kadyrov is frequently criticized worldwide for inhumane rights infringements. Human rights advocates also accuse him of political assassinations, torture of detainees, and kidnappings. He frequently appoints relatives to public offices and habitually violates laws with the silent consent of the Kremlin.
The sanctions against Kadyrov have not prevented him from boasting about owning a Tesla Cybertruck, which Musk disputes providing. The sanctioned Kadyrov still manages to obtain luxury items like the Cybertruck, often through intermediaries in other countries.
