Putin once asked Elon Musk to not activate Starlink over Taiwan as a favor to Xi

Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly asked Elon Musk to refrain from activating Starlink services in Taiwan as a favor to Chinese President Xi Jinping. This request was made during a period when Russia was increasingly dependent on trade with China. The Wall Street Journal cited unnamed officials indicating that Musk has maintained regular communication with Putin since late 2022, discussing various topics including business and geopolitics. The request for Starlink's inactivation over Taiwan was made in late 2023, although the exact number of such requests remains unclear. Taiwan currently lacks official access to Starlink due to local laws requiring satellite services to be provided through a joint venture with a local operator. Musk's interactions with Putin coincide with a shift in his stance on Ukraine, where he had previously supported the country by providing Starlink terminals. The implications of these communications raise concerns for the U.S., given Musk's contracts with the Pentagon and NASA, totaling billions. Both Musk and the Kremlin have denied the extent of their communications, with Musk claiming he only spoke to Putin once about space. The situation highlights the complex interplay of international relations, technology, and business interests.

- Putin requested Musk to block Starlink in Taiwan for Xi Jinping.

- Musk has been in regular contact with Putin since late 2022.

- Taiwan lacks Starlink access due to local regulations.

- Musk's communications with Putin coincide with a shift in his Ukraine stance.

- The situation raises concerns regarding Musk's defense contracts with the U.S. government.