Washington, DC [US]: Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and Starlink, issued a stark warning on Sunday, stating that the entire frontline of Ukraine’s defence would collapse if he “turned off” his Starlink system, which has been crucial for maintaining military communications in the war-torn nation.
Calling Starlink the “backbone” of the Ukrainian army, Musk expressed his dismay at the ongoing conflict, saying he is “sickened” by the prolonged war. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “I literally challenged Putin to one-on-one physical combat over Ukraine and my Starlink system is the backbone of the Ukrainian army. Their entire front line would collapse if I turned it off. What I am sickened by is years of slaughter in a stalemate that Ukraine will inevitably lose. Anyone who really cares, really thinks and really understands wants the meat grinder to stop. PEACE NOW!”
Earlier, on March 3, Musk accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of seeking a “forever war” with Russia. He wrote on X, “Zelensky wants a forever war, a never-ending graft meat grinder. This is evil.”
Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine is actively collaborating with its partners, including the US and Saudi Arabia, to pursue peace and enhance security. In a post on X, he stated, “We continue working with partners who seek peace just as we do, focusing on the necessary steps. Next week, there will be a lot of work here in Europe, with the U.S., and in Saudi Arabia – we are preparing a meeting to accelerate peace and strengthen the foundations of security.”
Zelenskyy also highlighted ongoing discussions with former US President Donald Trump‘s team, aimed at achieving peace swiftly. He added, “Today, intense work with President Trump’s team has been ongoing at various levels – numerous calls. The topic is clear – peace as soon as possible, security as reliably as possible. Ukraine is fully committed to a constructive approach.”
In a related development, US President Donald Trump hinted at imposing large-scale banking sanctions and tariffs on Russia unless a ceasefire and a final peace settlement are reached. Posting on Truth Social on Friday, Trump stated, “Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely ‘pounding’ Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large-scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED.”
He urged both nations to negotiate promptly, warning, “To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late.”
The escalating rhetoric and diplomatic efforts underline the urgency of ending the war, which has caused significant human and infrastructural devastation in Ukraine.