NASA Administrator Bill Nelson has called for an investigation into reports that Elon Musk has maintained regular contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin since late 2022. This revelation, highlighted by a Wall Street Journal article, has raised significant concerns regarding national security, particularly given Musk's connections with SpaceX, NASA, and the U.S. military.

The report indicates that Musk and Putin have discussed a range of topics, including personal, business, and geopolitical matters. Nelson expressed his worries about the potential implications of these interactions, stating, "If it's true that conversations have occurred between Elon Musk and the president of Russia, it raises alarms, especially for NASA, the Department of Defense, and various intelligence agencies."

Despite these serious allegations, several U.S. officials, including those from the White House, have claimed they were unaware of any communications between Musk and Putin. This apparent secrecy surrounding the discussions has added to the anxiety among government officials regarding Musk's influence and access to sensitive information.

Furthermore, the Wall Street Journal also reported that Putin requested Musk not to activate his Starlink satellite internet services in Taiwan to assist Chinese President Xi Jinping. This request has heightened concerns about Musk's role and potential geopolitical maneuvering.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, however, downplayed the interactions, asserting that Musk and Putin had only one phone call, which focused on space and technology. Musk’s involvement in the conflict in Ukraine is noteworthy; he provided access to Starlink, which has been crucial for communication amid disrupted networks. However, reports suggest that Musk's support has waned, with discussions about negotiating a swift end to the war.

Starlink terminals have been vital for the Ukrainian military, enabling communication and coordination in battle when traditional networks failed. Nevertheless, there were moments when Musk's commitment came under scrutiny, particularly when SpaceX reportedly asked the Pentagon to fund Starlink operations in Ukraine, only for Musk to later retract that request publicly on social media.

Musk also sparked controversy earlier this year by conducting a poll on X (formerly Twitter) regarding a proposed peace plan for Ukraine, which included the possibility of elections under UN supervision in annexed territories. This stirred discontent from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who questioned Musk’s stance in the ongoing conflict.

Complicating matters further, Ukrainian intelligence claimed that Russian forces have been using Starlink in occupied territories, allegedly acquiring the service through third parties. In response, SpaceX denied any dealings with the Russian government or military, asserting that its services would not operate in Russia.

Notably, Musk’s decisions during the conflict have drawn scrutiny, especially a refusal to activate Starlink near Crimea, which he justified with concerns over potential nuclear retaliation from Russia. These revelations from Musk's biography by Walter Isaacson have further fueled discussions about his complex role in international relations amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

KOMPAS.COM