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BillionaireElon Muskchallenged Russian PresidentVladimir Putinto a “fight” forUkraine amid Russia’s deadly invasion of the country.
The 50-year-old Tesla CEO made the challenge in a pair oftweetson Monday that used the Russian spelling of 69-year-old Putin’s name.
“Stakes are [Ukraine],” he added, referencing the attacks on the country launched last month. “Do you agree to this fight?@KremlinRussia_E.”
Representatives for Musk did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
The Russian government has not officially replied to Musk’s tweet as of Monday afternoon. However, the head of the Russian space agency, Dmitry Rogozin, called Musk a “weakling” in a response.
“You, little devil, are still young,” Rogozinsaidin a translated tweet.
“Compete with me weakling; it would only be a waste of time,” he continued, in part.
Musk has been outspoken about his support of Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion on Feb. 24.
Just days after the war began, Ukraine’s minister of digital transformationMykhailo Fedorovreached out to Musk over Twitter, asking him to allow access to SpaceX’s satellite-based internet service, Starlink, after parts of the country experienced internet and electricity outages.
In response, Musk told Federov that Starlink internet had been activated in Ukraine and the terminals needed to connect with his satellites were already on their way.
A few days later, Fedorov tweeted a picture of ashipping truck full of Starlink terminals, as he thanked Musk.
“Starlink — here. Thanks, @elonmusk,” hewroteto the SpaceX and Tesla Motors CEO.
“You are most welcome,” Musk replied.
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“I am sure that@elonmuskcan send Putin to Jupiter,“Federovsaid.
Federov followed the tweet with apictureof Putin inside a cartoon rocketship with Jupiter in the background.
source: people.com
