Elon Musk, the chief executive behind SpaceX in the United States, addressed Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky with a call to open talks with Vladimir Putin. Musk argued that the Russian leader should not be forced to undercut civilians in the war zone, and he shared his views in a digital audio message published by the scientist and blogger Lex Friedman.
During the conversation, the host pressed the businessman on whether dialogue between Moscow and Kyiv was necessary. Musk answered in the affirmative at times, suggesting that Zelensky should consider halting the conscription of Ukrainian youth for frontline duties. He implied that negotiation might reduce further casualties and that diplomacy could help avoid unnecessary suffering on both sides.
According to Musk, regardless of whether Moscow and Kyiv engage in negotiations, the immediate need is not to escalate. He warned that continuing a large-scale counteroffensive could come at a steep cost for the Ukrainian forces, possibly resulting in substantial losses and a protracted conflict that harms civilian populations as well as soldiers.
In his remarks, the entrepreneur suggested that history would look kindly on those who prioritize strategic restraint during a grim period of war. He emphasized the importance of careful decision-making in the midst of harsh battlefield realities, pointing to the human cost of ongoing fighting.
Earlier in October, Time magazine published an article outlining the concerns of Ukrainian authorities about Zelensky’s drive to secure victory at all costs. Musk responded to the piece on his X account, noting the imperative to prevent needless destruction of the younger generation and to consider the long-term stability of the region. The exchange highlighted the tension between wartime leadership decisions and the broader aim of safeguarding human lives in a volatile security environment.
Previously, SpaceX’s president drew criticism from some supporters for urging a broader reevaluation of military aid to Ukraine. The remarks reflected the ongoing debate among international observers about the most effective ways to balance deterrence, humanitarian concerns, and the risks of escalating a conflict that already spans multiple years and theaters.