Pure speculation, but could Trump no longer be as beholden to Putin as he so clearly was in his first term? Musk seems to be holding his reins now, and maybe he realizes any Kompromat the Russians may have had just doesn't matter any more in the face of his cult of personality.

That said, it seems to be in both parties best interest for Putin to get out of the war while Trump is in office. A president favorable to Russia gets a big win on the world stage, and Russia gets to quietly back out of a conflict that has been a complete disaster for them.

[–] Ilovethebomb@lemm.ee 2 points 1 day ago

I certainly hope so.

[–] piccolo@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 day ago (2 children)

Except putin is holding musk's reins.

[–] 1SimpleTailor@startrek.website 2 points 1 day ago

Is he? The two have many shared interest sure, and maybe he has some dirt on Musk. I feel like if Putin was the "grand puppet master" he's often made out to be then the war in Ukraine would be going much better for him. The article above seems to indicate that Putins influence has waned considerably since 2016.

[–] Ilovethebomb@lemm.ee 1 points 1 day ago (1 children)

SpaceX got started because the Russians were dicks to Musk and refused to launch satellites for him, and he's taken a lot of business from them.

What makes you think they have anything on him?

[–] piccolo@sh.itjust.works 2 points 17 hours ago

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/what-to-know-about-elon-musks-reported-phone-calls-with-putin-and-why-it-matters

I dont know. But why would he be getting personal calls from putin and followingnhis requests?