Chechen Warlord Equips Tesla Cybertruck with Machine Gun, Claims It’s Headed for Ukraine

Ramzan Kadyrov, the controversial leader of Chechnya, has showcased a Tesla Cybertruck outfitted with a machine gun, claiming it will soon join Russian forces in Ukraine. This surprising development was reported by The Times on March 11, 2024.

A Cybertruck in Chechnya

In a video shared on social media, Kadyrov is seen driving the electric vehicle through Grozny, the Chechen capital. “A comfortable car. The lads will be happy,” he remarked with a smirk. The Chechen leader later posed behind a machine gun mounted in the truck’s bed, fully equipped with ammunition.

Kadyrov expressed his enthusiasm for the vehicle on Telegram: “We received a Tesla Cybertruck from the respected Elon Musk.” He added, “This transport will soon be sent to the special military operation, to the front.”

Musk’s Alleged Involvement

While Kadyrov thanked Elon Musk for the vehicle, there’s no evidence that the Tesla CEO was involved in its delivery. Musk has not commented on the matter. Some speculate that Kadyrov’s claim is a provocative stunt aimed at creating discord in Washington.

Sanctions and Acquisition Questions

The presence of a Cybertruck in Chechnya raises questions about how it was obtained, given that Kadyrov is subject to US, EU, and British sanctions that prohibit vehicle exports to Russia. The Times notes that some foreign products reach Russia through intermediaries in countries like Armenia and Kyrgyzstan.

Kadyrov’s Praise for the Cybertruck

In an Instagram post, Kadyrov lauded the Cybertruck’s capabilities:

“I tested the new hardware with pleasure and personally confirmed that it’s not called a Cyberbeast for nothing. This beast will be of great benefit to our fighters.”

He described the vehicle as quick, maneuverable, and “invincible,” adding, “I’ve literally fallen in love with this car.”

EVXL’s Take

The appearance of a Tesla Cybertruck in such a controversial context highlights the complex geopolitical landscape that electric vehicle manufacturers must navigate. While Tesla’s innovations continue to push the boundaries of EV technology, as seen in our recent coverage of Tesla’s advancements, this incident serves as a reminder of the potential for cutting-edge civilian technology to be repurposed for military use. It also underscores the importance of robust export controls and the challenges of enforcing them in a globalized world.

Photos courtesy of X.