Zelensky accuses Elon Musk of interfering in Ukraine’s politics, warns against excessive power in the hands of wealthy individuals
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticized billionaire Elon Musk for attempting to influence political affairs in Ukraine and Europe, warning that concentrating enormous political power in the hands of a single wealthy individual poses a danger to democratic institutions.
In an interview with German broadcaster ZDF, released Wednesday, November 4, Zelensky questioned Musk’s involvement in debates over European leadership and Ukraine’s political future.
He said Musk’s public statements about how Europe should be governed, who should lead Germany and who should hold power in Ukraine carried considerable influence because of his wealth.
“He has no right to influence these things. He is a citizen of another country,” Zelensky said.
The Ukrainian president also criticized Musk’s position on Russia’s invasion, particularly his remarks about Russian military casualties.
“We don’t like his attitude toward this war when he thinks about how Russia is losing soldiers,” Zelensky said, stressing that Russian troops were fighting on Ukrainian territory rather than defending their own country.
He also questioned whether Musk’s comments about the war were intended as jokes, saying he found them difficult to understand.
Zelensky warned that excessive political influence concentrated in the hands of one person was dangerous regardless of that individual’s wealth, citing the separation of powers as a fundamental safeguard.
His criticism comes despite Ukraine’s reliance on satellite communications provided by Musk’s SpaceX company. Zelensky acknowledged the importance of Starlink, particularly during the early stages of Russia’s invasion, while maintaining his disagreement with Musk’s views.
Turning to American politics, Zelensky welcomed continued support from both major U.S. parties following the November 3 midterm elections.
He thanked Republicans for their assistance but said Democrats had expressed particularly clear commitments to supporting Ukraine and restoring relations between Washington and Europe.
Zelensky said stronger American financial and military assistance could increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin as diplomatic efforts to end the war continue.