In a development that has sparked global headlines, Russia has extended symbolic support to tech billionaire Elon Musk following his escalating feud with U.S. President Donald Trump—a move that some commentators are comparing to the country’s asylum offer to whistleblower Edward Snowden.
The controversy intensified after Steve Bannon, former Trump strategist, labeled Musk an “illegal alien” and even suggested that SpaceX should be seized by the U.S. government. These remarks came in response to Musk’s bold threat to shut down Dragon spacecraft missions, which are critical to NASA’s crew transportation to the International Space Station.
Amid this political storm, Russian lawmaker Dmitry Novikov, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, stated in an interview with TASS that Russia would be open to providing political asylum to Elon Musk, should he ever seek it.
“Musk is playing a different game, and I don’t think he will ever need asylum. But if he does, Russia could certainly provide it,” Novikov remarked, referencing Musk’s history of complex political positioning.
While the Kremlin officially declined to comment through spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, the offer—though hypothetical—sends a pointed geopolitical message at a time when U.S. internal divisions are increasingly visible to foreign powers.
A Familiar Echo
This isn’t the first time Russia has offered refuge to a prominent American under political fire. Edward Snowden, the former NSA contractor who leaked classified surveillance documents, was granted asylum in Russia in 2013—a move that triggered diplomatic tensions with the United States.
Though Musk’s situation differs in context and scope, the public gesture from Moscow taps into a narrative of shielding dissenters from what Russia portrays as a hyper-political and punitive American establishment.
A Moment of Fracture
The Musk–Trump feud, once unthinkable given their previous alignment on issues like space exploration and deregulation, has now become deeply personal and public. Musk’s critique of Trump’s recent policies—including the controversial “Big Beautiful Bill”—has led to a cascade of insults, threats, and now, geopolitical ramifications.
Observers note that the political asylum comment may be more rhetorical than actionable—but it nonetheless reflects a widening fracture between two powerful figures and how international actors are seizing the moment to stir Washington’s waters.
Source: NDTV
