Remote Shutdown Allegation
On Friday, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov claimed that Tesla CEO Elon Musk remotely disabled his Cybertruck equipped with a mounted machine gun. The startling accusation emerged amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Incident Details
Kadyrov took to Telegram, expressing his dismay at Musk’s actions, stating, “Elon Musk did something ugly. He gives expensive gifts from the heart, and then turns them off remotely.” The Cybertruck, deployed to the Northern Military District, reportedly performed well in combat missions before being shut down, necessitating towing.
Reactions and Future Plans
Undeterred, Kadyrov announced the dispatch of two more Cybertrucks – unscathed by the alleged shutdown – to the conflict zone. A video accompanying the post showcased the trucks in action, with military personnel in tow, proclaiming, “You can’t think of a better advertisement for Cybertruck.”
Implications and Denials
Initially showcasing the Cybertruck in a video last month, Kadyrov hinted at its synergy with the ongoing conflict. Despite Kadyrov thanking Musk and inviting him to Chechnya, Musk vehemently denied gifting a Cybertruck, citing incredulity at the notion of donating to a Russian general. While Musk clarified the absence of a donation, questions linger about how the truck ended up in Kadyrov’s possession, given its limited sales within the U.S.