Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of Chechnya, a Russian republic, has caused a stir online with a video showcasing his new ride: a Tesla Cybertruck equipped with a gun mounted on the back. Kadyrov, a long-time ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has expressed his admiration for Elon Musk, calling him a ‘genius’ and ‘specialist.’ In a Telegram post, he also extended an invitation to Musk to visit him in Russia.
Kadyrov’s post, translated by the Moscow Times, suggests the weaponized Cybertruck could be deployed to the front lines of the war in Ukraine. He stated, “Based on such excellent characteristics, the Cybertruck will soon be sent to the area of the special military operation, where it will be in demand in the appropriate conditions.”
This incident comes amidst ongoing discussions surrounding free speech and content moderation on social media platforms. Musk, the billionaire owner of X (formerly Twitter), has made headlines for his efforts to roll back restrictions and create a more open platform. He has also voiced support for former President Donald Trump’s bid for the 2024 presidency.
Kadyrov, who has ruled Chechnya for 17 years, has openly supported Putin’s war in Ukraine. He claims to have sent thousands of Chechen troops to aid the Russian military.
The Cybertruck, an electric pickup truck developed by Tesla, was unveiled in 2019 and began production in 2022. Tesla has yet to comment on Kadyrov’s actions or his potential use of the Cybertruck in the war.
Musk’s involvement in the social media landscape and his growing support for political figures like Trump have made him a controversial figure. His latest venture into the realm of military technology with Kadyrov has further fueled the debate surrounding his influence and impact on global affairs.
