Elon Musk Reportedly Joins Trump During Call With Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky

AP Photo/Alex Brandon

Billionaire Starlink founder Elon Musk joined President-elect Donald Trump’s phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday in a move that underscores the extent of the influence he will have in Trump’s coming administration.

Musk reportedly pledged to continue supporting Ukraine via Starlink, his satellite-assisted internet provider that has been vital to the country’s military efforts, sources told Axios, despite his past criticisms of U.S. aid to Ukraine and a 2022 proposal for a peace plan that drew backlash from Zelensky.

The conversation between Trump and Zelensky, which lasted around 25 minutes, left the Ukrainian leader feeling cautiously optimistic.

“I promise you will be happy with me,” Trump told Zelensky during the call after the Ukrainian leader congratulated him on his election win, according to one source.

Another source said that the Ukrainian president was reassured that a call had taken place so soon after the election result.

The call follows a campaign season in which Trump repeatedly signaled his intent to bring about a swift end to the Ukraine-Russia conflict, even hinting that he could broker peace within 24 hours. However, the sources indicated that Wednesday’s discussion did not dive into Trump’s specific plans for peace or future aid.

Zelensky, speaking in Budapest on Thursday, acknowledged the call with the president-elect but added: “I cannot yet know what his actions will be.”

He added: “If it’s just fast, it means losses for Ukraine. I just don’t yet understand how this could be in any other way. Maybe we do not know something, do not see.”