Elon Musk openly challenges Vladimir Putin to 'single combat'; 'Stakes are Ukraine'

With Russia unrelenting in its pursuit to inve Kyiv, tech mogul Elon Musk on Monday publically challenged Russian President Vlimir Putin to a 'single combat' for Ukraine. Taking to Twitter, SpaceX CEO wrote, "I hereby challenge Vlimir Putin to single combat," mentioning  President's name in Russian alphabet. "Stakes are Ukraine," he ded, writing country's name in Ukrainian.

In a follow-up tweet, Musk shared entire tweet in Russian, tagging Kremlin’s official Twitter handle with a message, "Do you agree to this fight?" He also responded to a netizen's query asking wher he will be surprised if Putin accepted challenge. Responding to message, Elon Musk stated that he would be 'honoured'. 

In past, Musk has often mocked Russian officials on social media and most recently hit back at Russian space chief Dmitry Rogozin over his remarks that Americans should use “broomsticks” after Russia halted rocket sales to US Rogozin. He has also openly provided Starlink space internet equipment to Ukraine amidst war. This decision was taken in response to a request from nation's vice prime minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, who expressed concern that Ukrainians might end up losing internet connectivity if Russia's strikes on communication infrastructure continue. Although, Musk has warned that company's Starlink service could be a potential target in Ukraine, given that it is only non-Russian communication system in war-struck country.

Round 4 of talks underway, Zelenskyy seeks direct meeting with Putin

In latest development concerning ongoing war, 4th round of peace talks has commenced between Russia and Ukraine virtually.  latest negotiations are being held on peace, ceasefire, immediate withdrawal of troops and security guarantees. Notably, Zelenskyy has proposed a direct meeting with Russian President Vlimir Putin as part of negotiation talks. 

Meanwhile, as  Russia-Ukraine war enters 19th day, Israel has announced that it will mediate negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Taking to his Facebook, He of Presidential ministration Andriy Yermak stated that Israel h taken on 'complex but noble' mission of working as an intermediary between Russia and Ukraine.