The recent visit to Moscow by British far-right activist Tommy Robinson has raised eyebrows, particularly given the involvement of Elon Musk's family foundation in financing the trip. According to Errol Musk, father of the billionaire X owner and founder of the philanthropic organisation, he accompanied Robinson on the journey and ensured that all expenses were covered.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, sparked controversy during his stay in Russia by calling for anti-migration protests in the UK. Footage emerged showing him sharing a luxury hotel room with Errol Musk, while from Moscow he encouraged supporters to take to the streets following a knife attack in Belfast.
This development fits into a larger pattern of Russian President Vladimir Putin's regime seeking to cultivate ties with European far-right personalities. Meanwhile, Russia has also hosted self-styled influencer Andrew Tate and his brother, who posted footage with what appeared to be Russian military personnel. According to Professor Stephan Lewandowsky of the University of Bristol, an expert on misinformation, such visits occur within the context of a 'hybrid war' waged by Putin against the West, aiming to undermine Western democracies from within.
Upon his return to Britain, police stopped Robinson and seized his mobile phones. While Robinson has visited Russia previously, his recent trip saw him express more explicit praise for the country, including sharing footage of Russian ultra-nationalists. Errol Musk's involvement in this matter is also noteworthy, given his own pro-Russian views on the conflict in Ukraine.
The revelation that a prominent figure from a leading British far-right group spoke at a summit of European extreme nationalist groups convened in Russia by an oligarch linked to Putin further suggests a concerted effort by Russian entities to engage with and potentially leverage far-right movements across Europe, including in the UK.