Kremlin-backed Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov has claimed that he provided two modified Tesla Cybertrucks to Russian forces operating in occupied Ukrainian territory.
The futuristic vehicles, armed with machine guns, are reportedly in use by troops participating in what Russia refers to as the “special military operation.”
“Two more Cybertrucks have been sent to the zone of the special military operation,” Kadyrov stated. “Western technology performs well against its own Western ‘Ukronazis.’ Mobility, convenience, maneuverability—such qualities of the electric vehicle are highly valued here. Remote deactivation has not affected them. The machines are operating normally without failures,” he added.
In August, Kadyrov shared a video of himself driving a Cybertruck around the grounds of his palace, demonstrating the vehicle’s capabilities. The truck had been fitted with a machine gun turret, and Kadyrov donned an ammunition belt as he posed in front of the weapon.
Kadyrov says he sent two more Tesla Cybertrucks for Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine, armed with captured American M2 Brawning 12.7mm machine guns. pic.twitter.com/ll4MwIzPjU
— Clash Report (@clashreport) September 20, 2024
At that time, Kadyrov announced that the vehicle would be sent to the Donbas frontlines and hinted that he anticipated more innovations from Tesla’s founder, Elon Musk, for use in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Tesla has not issued a comment on the reported use of its vehicles in the war, and the extent to which these Cybertrucks are utilized remains unclear.