Musk: "Ukraine Should Abandon Russian-Occupied Territories and Become a Neutral Country"... Controversy Spreads

Survey Conducted... Posting Russian Claims As Is
Ukrainian Leadership Reacts Strongly... "Get Lost"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, is facing criticism over a peace mediation proposal between Ukraine and Russia that he posted on his Twitter account. Musk included Russia's claim that Ukraine should give up the Crimean Peninsula and become a neutral country in the proposal, which has sparked strong backlash from the Ukrainian side.

According to CNBC on the 3rd (local time), Musk posted a peace mediation plan on his Twitter account aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. The proposal included ▲reholding the referendum in the four Ukrainian regions occupied by Russia under UN supervision ▲Ukraine transitioning to a permanently neutral country, belonging neither to the West nor Russia ▲Ukraine relinquishing sovereignty over the Crimean Peninsula.

The proposal closely resembles the peace negotiation conditions that Russia has long asserted to Ukraine and the international community. In particular, Musk stated regarding Crimea, which was forcibly annexed by Russia in 2014, that "Since 1783, Crimea has been part of Russia, and it was a mistake by former Soviet leader Khrushchev to transfer administrative control to Ukraine," echoing Russia's claims. He further stirred controversy by announcing a poll asking for opinions on the proposal.

The Ukrainian side strongly opposed the proposal. Andriy Melnyk, Ukraine's ambassador to Germany who is about to retire, responded to the tweet with a comment saying, "Get lost. This is the most diplomatic answer I can give you."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also strongly opposed the proposal by posting a poll on his Twitter account asking, "Which Musk do you prefer: the one supporting Ukraine or the one supporting Russia?" Over 400,000 people participated in the poll, with more than 90% favoring the Musk who supports Ukraine.

Despite the backlash, Musk warned, "In the end, it is likely to go according to my proposal," adding, "A nuclear war could break out." The controversy is growing in and outside the U.S. as Musk, who has cooperated with Democratic policies and led support for Ukraine, suddenly appears to side with Russia.

Previously, Musk actively provided 'Starlink,' a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX, which he operates, at Ukraine's request. Starlink has become a major communication means during the war in Ukraine and has been positively evaluated in Ukraine.