The news that tech billionaire Elon Musk has officially applied for political asylum in Russia is sparking controversy in the international media.

According to Vladislav Davankov, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma of Russia and representative of the New People’s Party, the Russian Foreign Ministry has received an official request from Elon Musk and will respond next month.

Speaking on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Davankov stressed that although Musk’s decision has caused mixed reactions both inside and outside Russia, he personally believes that “we need to be able to forgive what happened.” He also praised Elon Musk’s revolutionary contributions to space technology and electric vehicles, calling them “unique achievements.”

Mr. Davankov’s statement immediately attracted attention amid speculation about the tense relationship between Elon Musk and the administration of US President Donald Trump – who just returned to the White House in January 2025.

According to sources, the asylum request may stem from the increasingly public conflicts between Musk and the Washington government, especially after the Tesla and SpaceX boss bluntly criticized the US government’s economic policies last May. These statements are said to have angered many high-ranking officials in the capital.

However, whether Elon Musk really left his entire business in the US to find political “refuge” in Russia remains a matter of doubt. Up to now, Musk himself has not confirmed or denied the above information. This raises major questions about the authenticity of Mr. Davankov’s claim, especially since the conflict between Musk and President Trump – even if real – has not yet escalated to the point of no return.

Elon Musk, with his confrontational personality and often controversial statements, has always been the center of attention in both the technology and political worlds. But if he really intends to seek asylum in Russia, this would be an unprecedented turn of events – not only for him personally but also for the American business community.