A Chechen warlord and Putin-ally Ramzan Kadyrov claimed that Tesla owner Elon Musk gave him a Cybertruck, and showed a picture of himself on the back of the vehicle with a machine gun mounted on it in a Telegram channel Saturday, Aug. 17. Kadyrov wrote that he plans to use it in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Musk quickly denied ever gifting the vehicle. He also had some choice words for anyone thinking otherwise, using an anti-disability slur to describe them. Musk also accused the “legacy media” of lying.
Yet another example of how much the legacy media lies
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 18, 2024
Meanwhile, there is ongoing speculation on how the Chechen warlord received the truck in the first place, with a few theories floating around.
Lithuanian customs agents reportedly came across two Cybertrucks smuggled into Russia earlier this year. Some theorized that is how Kadyrov got his hands on the vehicle.
Another possibility reported is “parallel trade,” or reselling goods to countries that the original manufacturer does not sell or deliver goods to. Tesla does not ship trucks to Russia, but smaller European Union (EU) countries have previously used parallel trade to circumvent sanctions.
Experts note that this could be the method that Kadyrov used to get the Cybertruck. A customs law expert said that Armenia, Kazakhstan, Georgia and Turkey have been criticized for using parallel trade and re-exports in the past.
To fight the problem of parallel trade, the EU approved legislation last year that includes a “No Russia” clause. The clause specifically outlaws the sale of vehicles worth more than 50,000 euros to Russia.
A foreign policy expert said that exporting the Cybertruck would go against this clause, which could be punishable by prison sentences of up to five years. Companies found to have broken the law would also be subject to a maximum fine of 15% of annual turnover. However, war crimes and obstructing an investigation could lead to greater penalties.
Although many theories are floating around, the simplest one is that Kadyrov purchased the truck in Dubai, where he’s well-connected.
Now, if the Cybertruck is used in battle, experts speculate that it would not fair very well given its track record of mechanical problems. Additionally, claims of its ability to take a beating proven to be overhyped.
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