Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has hit back at Elon Musk after the Tesla boss released a Twitter poll with his proposals to end the Russian invasion.
Mr Musk asked his 107.7 million supporters to vote on ideas that included ceding territories to Russia.
In response, Mr. Zelensky released his own poll, asking users if they liked the world’s richest man more than he supported Ukraine.
Other Ukrainians criticized Mr Musk.
Outgoing Ambassador of Ukraine to Germany Andriy Melnyk used a strong expletive which he described as his “very diplomatic response”.
Meanwhile, Russian chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov said: “This is moral bullshit, a repetition of Kremlin propaganda, a betrayal of Ukrainian courage and sacrifice.”
Musk’s ideas included voices in parts of Ukraine occupied by Russia that Russia says it is annexing.
The multi-billionaire said: “Russia goes if the people want.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has already declared four Ukrainian regions as part of Russia after so-called referenda were denounced as fraudulent by Kyiv and its western allies. Russia does not fully control any of the four regions.
Mr Musk also suggested that the world should officially recognize Crimea – annexed by Russia in 2014 – as part of Russia.
Ten hours after publication The poll had attracted more than 2 million votes.
Mr. Zelensky responded with his own poll, asking: “Which @elonmusk do you like more? One that supports Ukraine [or] One who supports Russia.”
Eight hours after publication, this poll was voted on more than 1.5 million times.
Early in the Russian invasion, Mr Musk’s satellite internet company sent equipment into the country.
This made Mr Musk popular in Ukraine and he was subsequently invited to visit by Mr Zelensky when the war with Russia was over.
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