Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has once again found himself at the center of controversy after launching a fresh wave of criticism against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This latest attack, which revives an old debate surrounding a 2022 Vogue photoshoot, has intensified the already strained relations between Ukraine and key figures in the United States. Musk's remarks not only echo sentiments that were previously raised by Zelenskyy's detractors but also align with the shifting stance of the U.S. government under the Trump administration, which has been signaling a departure from its earlier unwavering support for Ukraine in its war against Russia.
Musk's latest attack began when he shared a Vogue magazine cover from 2022 featuring Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska. The photoshoot, conducted amid the ongoing war with Russia, was originally intended to highlight the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people. However, it was met with sharp criticism at the time, particularly from conservative circles in the West, who argued that it was an inappropriate move given the dire situation on the battlefield. Reviving this controversy, Musk posted the image on social media, writing, "He did this while kids are dying in trenches on the war front." The remark quickly gained traction online, reigniting discussions about the priorities of Ukraine’s leadership.
The backlash did not stop there. Hours later, Musk intensified his criticism, accusing Zelenskyy of running what he called a "massive graft machine feeding off the dead bodies of Ukrainian soldiers." He went on to claim that Zelenskyy had lost the trust of the Ukrainian people, stating that the president’s approval ratings had plummeted and that he was "despised" by his own citizens. According to Musk, if Zelenskyy were truly confident in his public support, he would have allowed elections to take place in 2024. Instead, Musk argued, Zelenskyy had used the ongoing war as an excuse to delay elections, fearing he would suffer a crushing defeat.
Elections were originally scheduled to be held in Ukraine in 2024, following Zelenskyy's five-year term, which began in 2019 after his landslide victory. However, due to martial law imposed as a result of the Russian invasion, the elections were suspended. Zelenskyy and his supporters have defended this decision, citing security concerns and the impracticality of conducting a nationwide vote while parts of the country remain under attack. Critics, on the other hand, argue that delaying elections indefinitely could be a dangerous precedent, undermining democratic principles and giving the Ukrainian leader unchecked power.
Musk’s attacks on Zelenskyy come at a time when the Trump administration is making major diplomatic shifts regarding Ukraine. Former President Donald Trump, who has returned to power, has taken a starkly different approach to the conflict than his predecessor. Unlike the Biden administration, which provided billions of dollars in military aid to Ukraine, Trump has advocated for negotiations with Russia, including direct talks with President Vladimir Putin. His administration has pushed for a swift resolution to the war, even if it means significant compromises on Ukraine’s part.
One of the most controversial aspects of Trump’s approach has been his claim that Ukraine itself was responsible for starting the war. This assertion, which contradicts well-documented evidence of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has been widely condemned by European allies. Trump has also dismissed Zelenskyy’s leadership, referring to him as a “comedian” and a “dictator without elections.” He went on to claim that Zelenskyy had manipulated the United States into spending $350 billion on a war that was unwinnable. In a series of social media posts, Trump argued that Zelenskyy’s refusal to hold elections was proof that he was clinging to power rather than acting in the best interests of the Ukrainian people.
Adding to the tensions, the Trump administration has been working behind the scenes to strike a deal that could drastically reshape Ukraine’s future. Reports have surfaced suggesting that the U.S. has proposed a $500 billion agreement in which Ukraine would grant American companies access to its vast reserves of critical minerals, including lithium and rare earth elements, in exchange for continued military and security assistance. Zelenskyy, however, has rejected such an arrangement, viewing it as an attempt to exploit Ukraine’s resources during its time of crisis.
Meanwhile, the exclusion of Ukraine from recent peace negotiations has added another layer of tension. In a high-profile meeting held in Saudi Arabia, top U.S. officials, including the Secretary of State, met with their Russian counterparts to discuss potential pathways to ending the war. Notably absent from these discussions was any representative from Ukraine. This move has been seen as a major diplomatic snub to Zelenskyy, reinforcing concerns that the Trump administration is prioritizing direct engagement with Russia over Ukraine’s own interests.
These developments have led to widespread uncertainty about the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations. Zelenskyy, who was once hailed as a hero in the West for standing up to Russian aggression, now finds himself increasingly isolated as key figures in Washington shift their focus away from supporting his government unconditionally. Musk’s public attacks have only fueled this narrative, casting further doubt on Zelenskyy’s standing both domestically and internationally.
With Ukraine’s war effort at a critical juncture and the U.S. reconsidering its strategic commitments, the coming months could prove decisive in shaping the outcome of the conflict. Whether Zelenskyy will be able to maintain support from the West or whether he will face increasing pressure to negotiate with Russia remains to be seen. For now, Musk’s comments have once again placed the Ukrainian leader under intense scrutiny, further complicating an already volatile geopolitical landscape.
