Kyiv’s Skeptical Sizzle: Will Musk Free the Feathered ‘Bird’ or Trade It for a New Cage?
On Saturday, October 29, a slick‑faced Ukrainian official flashed a mock‑smirk on Twitter and questioned whether the crow‑like platform had truly gained freedom under Elon Musk’s reign. The head of a Kyiv office, Mykhailo Podolyak, shot back: “Did the bird really get its freedom, or has it just moved to a new cage?”
Elon Musk and His “Free‑Speech” Fantasy
The billionaire, who calls himself a “free‑speech absolutist,” just finalised his takeover of the micro‑blogging titan and declared that the platform is now “freed.” But the Ukrainian aide is not buying it.
- Podolyak points to Musk’s unusual moderation playbook.
- Musk announced a new content‑moderation council that would feature “widely diverse viewpoints.”
- Despite the claim of openness, Podolyak wonders if the moderation is just a new cage for the birds.
When Musk Becomes the Angry Politician of Social Media
Earlier this month, Musk stirred the pot by repeatedly suggesting that Ukraine should:
- Give up territory currently occupied in return for peace.
- Hold new referendums—under UN watch—to decide on Russia‑controlled regions.
- Declare a permanent stance of neutrality.
His tweets sparked furious backlash in Kyiv and cheering in Moscow—raising the question: is he a hero or a villain?
Moscow’s Deputy Security Council Speaks
Russian deputy chair Dmitry Medvedev congratulated Musk with a sweet “Good luck (Elon Musk) in overcoming political bias and ideological dictatorship on Twitter.” He also added a snappy comment about Musk’s SpaceX Starlink game:
“And quit that Starlink in Ukraine business,” he wrote, referencing the satellite‑connected Internet devices at Musk’s disposal.
The Starlink Sweet‑Spice Connection
Starlink is the lifeline for Ukraine’s armed forces—providing crucial mobile and internet connectivity where ground infrastructure skates in gaps or feels unsafe.
- Mid‑October US reports claimed SpaceX might start charging the US government for Starlink usage in Ukraine.
- Musk countered that the company had withdrawn the request (cost of US$100 million by the end of 2022, according to mud‑muddled numbers).
Bottom Line
While Musk’s “freedom” cheer continues, Kyiv’s leaders remain armed with skepticism and a healthy dose of sarcasm. And the question stays: is this a new dawn for free speech, or just another feathered cage with a shiny new label?
