In a wide-ranging and highly anticipated interview this week, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk opened up about everything from the future of Tesla, his evolving views on U.S. politics, and the rumors surrounding his alleged relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Musk, the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and social media platform X (formerly Twitter), has never shied away from controversial conversations — and this latest discussion was no exception.

On Tesla: “We’re Just Getting Started”

Musk began by reiterating his confidence in Tesla’s long-term mission, despite recent market volatility and growing competition from Chinese electric vehicle companies.

“People keep asking if Tesla has peaked. Not even close,” he said. “We’re working on next-generation vehicles, improving Full Self-Driving, and expanding global production.”

He confirmed that Tesla’s much-anticipated Robotaxi platform will likely be revealed later this year, with full autonomy being “closer than people think.”

He also teased further updates on Tesla’s new Gigafactories, including expansion into India and possibly Southeast Asia.

On Politics: “I’m Politically Independent”

Addressing his increasingly political public image, Musk clarified:

“I don’t belong to any political party. I support policies, not parties.”

While he’s been vocal about free speech, government overreach, and media narratives, Musk denied claims that he leans far-right:

“Just because I criticize progressives doesn’t mean I support authoritarians. I’m for logic, facts, and freedom — across the board.”

Musk also touched on the upcoming 2024 U.S. election, saying he’s not endorsing any candidate, but believes tech leaders should “speak out when government policy affects innovation.”

On Putin: “No, I’m Not His Ally”

Perhaps the most eyebrow-raising part of the conversation was Musk’s response to ongoing speculation about his relationship with Vladimir Putin.

These rumors emerged after Musk proposed a controversial peace plan for Ukraine on X in 2022 — a plan that critics said aligned too closely with Russia’s interests. Musk strongly pushed back against that claim.

“I’ve never met with Putin. I don’t take orders from him. I’m trying to prevent nuclear war — isn’t that worth talking about?”

He admitted having conversations with world leaders, but insisted they are always in the interest of global stability and peaceful innovation, especially when it comes to Starlink and its role in global internet access during the war in Ukraine.

Starlink and Global Influence

Musk also discussed how Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, has become a geopolitical tool — especially in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Africa.

“We’re not just a company anymore. We’re a player in global affairs, like it or not,” he said.

When asked whether that power comes with responsibility or danger, Musk replied:

“Both. That’s why transparency matters.”

Conclusion: One Man, Many Worlds

From self-driving cars to space colonization, and from free speech to international diplomacy, Elon Musk remains one of the most influential — and polarizing — figures on the planet. Whether you admire his ambition or question his motives, one thing is clear: he is shaping the future on multiple fronts.

And in this rare interview, he reminded the world that he doesn’t intend to slow down any time soon.