Tech billionaire and advisor to US President Trump, Elon Musk hit back at critics accusing him of favouring Russia, asserting that he has stood up to Vladimir Putin in the past.
Responding to a user on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Musk wrote, “I literally challenged Putin to one-on-one physical combat over Ukraine.” He also highlighted his company’s Starlink satellite system as the backbone of Ukraine’s military communication, saying, “Their entire front line would collapse if I turned it off.”
The exchange began when Musk suggested that sanctioning Ukraine’s top oligarchs, particularly those with luxury properties in Monaco, would force an end to the war. “That is the key to the puzzle,” he posted.
A user responded, agreeing that corrupt individuals should face sanctions but accused Musk of ignoring Russia’s role as the aggressor. “I agree, anyone engaging in corruption should be sanctioned. But also, you have to stop pretending that Putin isn’t the aggressor. Ukraine is the victim. Knock it off with the nonsense. You seem focused on only criticising Ukraine but not Putin for some reason,” the user wrote.
Musk countered, arguing that the war had turned into a pointless stalemate that Ukraine would inevitably lose. He expressed frustration over the years of bloodshed and called for an immediate ceasefire. “Anyone who really cares, really thinks, and really understands wants the meat grinder to stop. Peace now!!” he wrote.
His comments come as US president Donald Trump has paused all military aid to Ukraine, straining Kyiv’s war effort even further.