World-famous and often-controversial billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has made a bizarre show of support for the war in Ukraine, by challenging Vladimir Putin to fight in 'single combat.'
The SpaceX and Tesla CEO tweeted the Russian President, offering Ukraine as the stakes of the fight.
He then followed up with a second tweet "Вы согласны на этот бой?", which translates to "do you agree to this fight?"
I hereby challenge
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk)
Владимир Путин
to single combat
Stakes are Україна
This comes as the Russia-Ukraine war enters its 19th day of conflict, with peace talks reportedly underway as violence continues.
The tweets have garnered a mixed response, with some praising Elon Musk for trying to save the world, whilst others criticize him for risking shareholder profits.
Others on Twitter seem bemused by the thought of two men with so much influence in the world having a simple brawl, though this may be missing the poor taste in which the challenge was sent.
Two weeks ago Ukraine thanked Elon Musk for sending Starlink satellites to provide Ukraine with a reliable internet connection during the conflict.
Mykhailo Fedorov, the Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine and Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, appealed directly to Musk on Twitter.
"We ask you to provide Ukraine with Starlink stations and to address sane Russians to stand," said Mr Fedorov.
thanx, appreciate it https://t.co/OWm2Yu2WKC
— Ukraine / Україна (@Ukraine)
Elon replied after a short while, "Starlink service is now active in Ukraine. More terminals en route."
Whether a genuine show of support trying to make light of a dark situation or a badly timed attempt at a joke, Elon Musk's past actions with Starlink show he is on the side of the Ukrainian people, despite offering up the country as stakes in a fight.
Meanwhile, support for Ukraine from the Northeast is garnering a hugely positive response as aid is reaching those who need it.
Ukrainian families 'in tears' as 2,000-mile Newcastle aid mission reaches war-torn nation
