Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of Chechnya, has made a startling claim that Elon Musk remotely disabled an armed Cybertruck being used in combat in Ukraine. Kadyrov stated that the vehicle, equipped with a machine gun, was performing well before being shut down.
According to CNN, Kadyrov also announced that he sent two more Cybertrucks to the front lines. Known for his loyalty to Russian President Vladimir Putin and involvement in Russia’s military operations in Ukraine, Kadyrov shared footage in August of himself driving a Cybertruck in Grozny, claiming it was a gift from Musk.
Musk has firmly denied sending any vehicle to Kadyrov, expressing disbelief at the suggestion he would donate a Cybertruck to a Russian general.
Kadyrov’s Frustration and Additional Claims
This week, Kadyrov expressed frustration that the high-tech vehicle had to be towed from the battlefield. He criticized Musk for allegedly disabling it remotely after what he considered a heartfelt gift.
The Chechen leader claimed to have sent two additional Cybertrucks to the Ukraine war zone, sharing a video of the vehicles in a forested area, each equipped with mounted machine guns.
“The remote shutdown did not affect these vehicles. They are operating normally, without any failures. You couldn’t ask for better advertising for the Cybertruck,”
Kadyrov stated on Telegram.
Expert Skepticism
Military experts have cast doubt on the effectiveness of modified electric vehicles in combat scenarios. Mark Cancian, a senior adviser at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, pointed out the practical challenges, such as the lack of Tesla charging outlets on the front lines in Donbas.
Regional experts suggest that Kadyrov’s claims about sending Cybertrucks to Russian soldiers in Ukraine are likely exaggerated. Questions remain about how Kadyrov might have acquired these vehicles given Western sanctions.
As this situation continues to unfold, it highlights the intersection of cutting-edge technology, international conflicts, and the role of social media in modern warfare narratives.
