In one of Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s stranger politically-related encounters on Twitter, the billionaire has reached out to the Kremlin about a potential solution to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Musk challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin to single combat on Monday, wagering that the stakes of the fight are Ukraine.
In a tweet using Russian words for the President and Ukraine, @Musk wrote, “I hereby challenge [Vladimir Putin] to single combat,” adding, “Stakes are [Ukraine]”.
I hereby challenge
Владимир Путин
to single combatStakes are Україна
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 14, 2022
In a follow-up tweet tagging the Kremlin, @Musk asked in Russian, “Do you agree to this fight?”
Musk also added, “I am absolutely serious,” when someone asked if he had thought this through.
I am absolutely serious
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 14, 2022
When asked if he would be surprised if Putin accepted his challenge, Musk said “it would be an honor” (translated).
это было бы честью
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 14, 2022
The news comes nearly a year after Musk invited Putin to talk via the social media app Clubhouse.
It also takes place just weeks after Russia began invading Ukraine late last month, which has led to significant destruction and loss of life in Ukraine.
Musk’s companies Tesla and SpaceX have attempted to aid the country in its defense, offering Starlink satellite internet for Ukraine and shipping multiple loads of Starlink terminal hardware to the country.
Tesla also began offering free Supercharging in some countries surrounding Ukraine, in addition to helping SpaceX package and ship Starlink equipment.
Tesla also sent out a company email offering at least three months of salary to employees conscripted to fight for Ukraine, and detailing plans to re-evaluate the situation at three months.
