Ukraine is in need of allies—and found a great one in Elon Musk.
The SpaceX and Tesla founder and CEO followed his amazing move to supply internet service to a blacked-out Ukraine by inviting Russian President Vladimir Putin to a “single combat” challenge. According to the Conservative Brief, the challenge is ostensibly a means to determine Russia’s claimed right to overrun Ukraine.
The challenge came in a series of Monday tweets:
“I hereby challenge Vladimir Putin to single combat,” Musk wrote, using the Russian alphabet to spell the Kremlin leader’s name.”
“Stakes are Ukraine,” he added, writing the country’s name in Ukrainian.
To ensure clarity, Musk followed up his initial post with two more. In the first, he responded to a query asking if he was “absolutely serious” about his challenge.
In his response, Musk reiterated the challenge. Doubling down, he asked Putin in Russian, “Do you agree to this fight?”
The Daily Wire provided this background to the developing story:
“The posts come after Musk’s personal involvement to support Ukraine through his donations of Starlink technology. The Starlink terminals from Musk had reportedly arrived in Ukraine to help get critical satellite internet service to many in the nation since Russia’s invasion more than two weeks ago.
Musk was recently praised for responding to the Ukrainian government’s plea to provide SpaceX’s Starlink satellite broadband service so that Ukrainians could access the internet after Russian military forces invaded the country.
Musk reportedly provided the Starlink satellite service in response to a request made on social media by Mykhailo Fedorov, the Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine.
In Tony Stark-like fashion, the amazing “ask” was responded to in record time: “Starlink service is now active in Ukraine,” Musk said in his reply. “More terminals en route.”
A surprised Vice Prime Minister expressed the gratitude of the Ukrainian people: “Thank you for supporting Ukraine and peace in the entire world! Thanks!”
“You’re welcome,” Musk responded humbly.
No invoices were issued. No cash changed hands.
Musk added thoughtfully:
“We have also sent power adapters for car cigarette lighters, solar/battery packs and generators for places where electricity is not available.”
The Guardian expressed it well: “Musk is the real-life Iron man.”
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