Musk Foundation paid for Tommy Robinson's Russia trip, claims father

Tommy Robinson’s recent visit to Russia was funded by the Musk family foundation, according to Elon Musk’s father, in a claim that raises fresh questions over links between prominent Western figures and Moscow as Russia seeks to deepen ties with Europe’s far right.

Errol Musk said he personally took the British activist to Russia, where Robinson attended meetings with Russian business figures before urging supporters back in Britain to join anti-migration protests.

Funding claim thrusts Musk family into spotlight

Speaking about the trip, Errol Musk said the visit was paid for by the Musk Foundation, the philanthropic organisation established by Elon Musk and his brother Kimbal. Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, stayed in Moscow before issuing messages encouraging demonstrations following a knife attack in Belfast.

The funding claim has not been independently verified. Elon Musk has not publicly commented on his father's remarks.

Moscow visit fuels scrutiny

Errol Musk described Robinson as "a fine young man" and said the pair attended discussions with Russian business figures, including conversations about Russia’s declining birth rate. He also travelled to St Petersburg for a Kremlin-backed economic forum.

The trip came as Russia appeared to be strengthening contacts with a range of European far-right personalities. Self-styled influencer Andrew Tate and his brother were also in Russia during the same period, sharing footage alongside apparent Russian military equipment.

Police action follows return to Britain

After returning to the UK, Robinson was stopped by police, who seized his mobile phones. The activist has previously travelled to Russia but adopted a more openly supportive tone during this visit, posting videos praising aspects of Russian society and nationalist events.

Robinson has multiple criminal convictions and was most recently imprisoned for breaching a contempt of court order.

Questions over Russia's wider strategy

Analysts say the episode reflects Moscow's continuing effort to cultivate relationships with figures capable of influencing political debate across Europe.

Professor Stephan Lewandowsky of the University of Bristol said Russia's outreach forms part of a broader campaign to weaken Western democracies by engaging individuals and movements that share elements of its nationalist agenda. He argued such relationships can serve both political and ideological objectives as geopolitical tensions between Russia and the West continue to deepen.

Elon Musk’s family foundation took Tommy Robinson to Russia, says Musk’s father