Elon Musk Believes Putin Is Even Richer Than Him
Elon Musk – who is officially the richest man in the world – reckons that Vladimir Putin is much 'richer' than him.
The Tesla CEO became the wealthiest person in the world in 2021 but, remarkably, believes that the Russian president is of more worth.
Musk was speaking about Putin in an interview with Mathias Döpfner, the CEO of Axel Springer.
"How do you feel, being — at a net worth of $260 billion roughly — perceived as the richest person on earth?" Döpfner asked Musk.
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The world's richest man responded: "I do think that Putin is significantly richer than me."
Well, Musk has an estimated worth of a whopping $263 billion (£199.95 billion), while Putin's significant wealth has always been a bit of a mystery.
In 2017, financier Bill Browder testified that he believes Putin 'has accumulated $200 billion of ill-gotten gains'.
The Russian president has also been linked to a $1.4 billion palace on the Black Sea and a $4 million Monaco apartment.
In his interview with Döpfner, Elon was also asked about the war itself.
Musk admitted: "It is surprising to see that in this day and age. I thought we had sort of moved beyond such things for the most part. It is concerning.
"If you can get away with it, then this will be a message to other countries that perhaps they could get away with it too."
When questioned about Putin's actions, the Tesla CEO said: "My best guess was that he would seek to capture the eastern third of the country. Frankly, if you just listened to the rhetoric, then it is clear that he was going after at least portions of Ukraine that have a significant percentage of Russian speakers. He did that already in Georgia."
He added: "I think the American government has done more than people may realise. But it is just not been very public. But it is important to do something serious. We cannot let Putin take over Ukraine. This is crazy."
Elon's wealth has proved to be hugely resourceful throughout the war as he rushed to Ukraine's aid by deploying Starlink terminals so Ukrainians could access the internet amid Russia's invasion.
If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information.
Anish Vij