...
By Maya Mehrara
News Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Elon Musk called for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to be "offered amnesty" in another country, a suggestion that riled users on X, formerly Twitter.
Newsweek reached out to Musk via Tesla's press office and the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs via email for comment.
Why It Matters
Musk has echoed President Donald Trump's statements about Ukraine holding a presidential election. Trump has urged the country to hold elections as part of a three-stage process to achieve peace in the Russia-Ukraine war, which Russian and U.S. officials discussed during peace talks in Saudi Arabia last month.
Read More on World
On February 25, the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, passed a resolution affirming Zelensky's presidency and mandating that elections cannot be held during periods of martial law. It said that elections would be held "after comprehensive, just and sustainable peace is ensured on its territory."
What To Know
In response to a post on X calling for Ukraine to hold elections and accusing Zelensky of "sending innocent Ukrainians to die in his meat grinder," Musk wrote, "True. As distasteful as it is, Zelensky should be offered some kind of amnesty in a neutral country in exchange for a peaceful transition back to democracy in Ukraine."
Musk received backlash for his post on X. In his replies, users criticized his use of "amnesty," which implies that Zelensky has committed a crime. X users also cited Ukraine's support for Zelensky, referencing his approval rating.
...
Trump falsely stated at a press conference at Mar-a-Lago on February 18 that Zelensky's approval rating was 4 percent. According to a recent poll conducted by Gradus Research, it is 49 percent.
Musk's post on X follows Trump and Zelensky's contentious meeting at the White House on February 28. The two and U.S. Vice President JD Vance were supposed to discuss a deal granting the U.S. access to Ukraine's rare earth minerals.
The meeting spiraled into shouting while discussing a ceasefire and security guarantees for Ukraine, including Trump telling Zelensky that he was "gambling with World War III" and Vance accusing him of never thanking the U.S. for aid.
Trump suspended U.S. military aid to Ukraine. A senior Defense Department official said the aid freeze would remain in place until Trump determined that Ukrainian leaders are making a genuine effort toward peace with Russia.
What People Are Saying
Oleg Kostour, a Ukrainian app founder, on X in response to Elon Musk's post: "1) [Zelensky] has a good chance at winning the election 2) The next leading candidate to win is Zaluzhnyi, who will be more hardline than Zelensky So... What are you talking about?"
Sofia Nerbrand, a political editor for a Swedish newspaper, on X in response to Musk: "That is just a plain wrong statement. Zelenskyy is elected in peace time but after Russia's invasion Ukraine is fighting a war. Then you have other conditions and laws - like in most countries. Why don't you ask Putin to stop the war and resign as a dictator?"
Myroslav Oleshko, a Ukrainian blogger, on X: "I am a Ukrainian, and I ask, plead, and demand that Zelensky voluntarily resign. That he does not drag my beloved Ukraine down with him. That he lets us go and leaves. I ask that he accept Elon Musk's proposal and go into exile with amnesty."
What Happens Next
Zelensky has not yet responded to Musk's call for his removal from Ukraine.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines