Musk Challenges Putin To Single Combat Over Ukraine, Russia Responds

Elon Musk, SpaceX founder and CEO of Tesla, wrote Monday to his 77.7million Twitter followers that he was challenging Vladimir Putin to single combat in Ukraine and wagering. Musk wrote that he was challenging Vladimir Putin to a single combat, using Putin’s Russian name. He said, “Stakes Are Ukrayina”, using the Ukrainian spelling of Ukraine.

Musk asked the Kremlin official account to tag it in Cyrillic script, and was tagged with the Kremlin’s name. The Russian space agency Roscosmos responded almost immediately to the tweet. Musk has been involved in past verbal wars with Roscosmos. Dmitry Rogozin (director general Roscosmos), wrote that “you, little devil”, is still young. “Compete against me weakling, it would only be a waste time. Take my brother’s place first.”

Rogozin then referred to the 17th fairytale of Russian poet A. S. Pushkin, titled “The Tale of the Priest & His Workman Balda.” This story tells the tale of a lazy Russian Orthodox priest who chooses a simpleton to be his cheap laborer. He ends up beating his master and driving him insane in the end.

Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister, said: “I’m sure @elonmusk will send Putin to Jupiter.”

Fedorov started a fundraising campaign to launch Putin into orbit for several weeks. He stated that the proceeds would be used to repair damaged infrastructure in Ukraine.

The fourth round was held Monday between Ukrainian and Russian dignitaries. This is the fourth round since Putin launched an invasion in Ukraine on February 24, 2014.

Musk began sending SpaceX Starlink terminals to Ukraine as early as the war. This was in an effort to reduce internet disruptions that Ukraine was experiencing due to Russian bombardment and cyberattacks.

Fedorov was the first to tweet at Musk on February 26, in a historical twist to war following the advent of social media. He wrote that “while your try to colonize Mars — Russia attempt [tries] to] occupy Ukraine!” Russian rockets strike at Ukrainian civilians while your rockets land safely in space! We request that you provide Ukraine Starlink stations and address the sane Russians standing.

Musk calmly replied that Starlink service was now available in Ukraine and that more terminals were on the way.

Musk advised Ukrainian users to keep their antennas away from civilians and cover them with light camouflage, amid concerns that Russian-controlled airspace could contain “uplink” transmissions. Fedorov thanked Starlink, but warned that generators are needed because Russian shelling is destroying infrastructure. Musk stated that he was updating the software to lower peak power consumption. Ideally, terminals could be powered by cigarette lighters.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian President, thanked Musk for his “support for Ukraine with words and actions,” adding that he would be receiving another batch of Starlink Systems for cities destroyed this week.

Starlink, according to its website, uses advanced satellites in low orbit to enable video calling, streaming, and other high-data services that were previously impossible with satellite internet. Rogozin, in a Telegram public address, decried Musk’s deployment of “civilian” technology in a military conflict to try and disrupt Russian interests in Ukraine.

Rogozin stated earlier this month to Russian state media that Moscow would not supply rocket engines to America following President Biden’s economic sanctions regarding the war in Ukraine.

According to Reuters, he stated that “In a scenario like this, it’s impossible for us to supply the United States’ with our best rocket engines.” Let them fly on something other than their broomsticks. “I don’t know what.”

Space X’s Falcon 9 rocket launched 48 Starlink satellites to low earth orbit last Wednesday from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. Unidentified launch director can be heard saying, “Time for the American broomstick to fly and the sounds of freedom.”

Musk also tweeted video from the launch and wrote “American Broomstick”

American-born entrepreneur from South Africa, who also founded the electronic-payment company PayPal, has spoken out about the conflict in Ukraine. He previously called for Europe to restart its nuclear power plants to ensure national security. He also encouraged the U.S. increase its oil production, knowing that it could adversely impact Tesla, an electric-car company.

Former President Donald Trump praised him, describing the billionaire entrepreneur at a South Carolina rally as “a guy that I like and respect… friend.”

Trump stated Saturday that he runs an electric car business and wants Biden to increase oil production. But Biden will not do it because he doesn’t have the will to stand up against AOC.