Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and a senior White House advisor, has reignited controversy by criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for his participation in a 2022 Vogue photoshoot. The feature, which aimed to highlight Ukraine’s resilience during the Russia-Ukraine war, has drawn mixed reactions.
Musk’s Comments Spark Debate
Musk responded to a post on X (formerly Twitter) featuring the Vogue cover and expressed disapproval, stating,
“He did this while kids are dying in trenches on the war front.”
His remarks have stirred discussions about the optics of the photoshoot and whether it was appropriate during an active conflict.
Vogue Photoshoot: Tribute or Mistimed Move?
The 2022 photoshoot, titled “Portrait of Bravery: Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska,” was shot by renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz. It featured Zelensky and his wife, First Lady Olena Zelenska, in Kyiv, symbolizing strength and unity.
However, critics, including Republican Congresswomen Lauren Boebert and Mayra Flores, argued that the shoot was ill-timed.
- Boebert remarked, “While we send Ukraine $60 billion in aid, Zelensky is doing photoshoots for Vogue. These people think we are nothing but a bunch of suckers.”
- Flores added, “Biden keeps sending billions to Ukraine while their leaders do magazine covers.”
Supporters Defend the Feature
Despite the criticism, some defended the photoshoot:
- Tami Erwin, a Verizon executive, praised it as “an outstanding profile.”
- Val Voschevska, a pro-Ukraine activist, found it relatable, saying, “She looks like any of us after a long day at the office. The only difference is that her job is protecting her country from war.”
Zelensky’s Response
Zelensky addressed the backlash in a Wired interview, emphasizing the importance of media in wartime, stating,
“If you want people to perceive you as you are, you must use what people use.”
His wife, Olena Zelenska, also defended it in her Vogue interview, expressing,
“These have been the most horrible months of my life, and the lives of every Ukrainian.”
A Renewed Debate Amid Global Tensions
The controversy resurfaces at a sensitive time:
- North Korea has strengthened ties with Russia.
- Former U.S. President Donald Trump has distanced himself from Ukraine.
As Ukraine continues to fight for its survival, the debate over the role of its leaders in media remains divisive.
