Elon Musk has suggested using a controversial tactic against Ukraine as the country's war against Russia continues.
Musk heads up the Department for Government Efficiency (DOGE) within Donald Trump's Administration, which is tasked with cutting federal costs, modernizing federal technology, ending fraud and a waste of taxpayer money while improving overall governmental productivity.
So, given he plays a pivotal role in Trump's government, he's certainly not afraid to discuss sensitive topics such as Ukraine and Russia on his social media platform, Twitter.
Trump has often criticised Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with the 47th POTUS accusing Zelenskyy of 'gambling with World War 3'.
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Trump has also withdrawn military aid for Ukraine, while discussions surrounding a potential peace deal take place between the US and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia on Monday (March 10).
In a tweet posted on Sunday (March 9), Musk called for sanctions to be placed on some of the wealthiest individuals from Ukraine.
"Place sanctions on the top 10 Ukrainian oligarchs, especially the ones with mansions in Monaco, and this will stop immediately. That is the key to the puzzle," the Tesla founder said on his own social media platform.
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Responding to criticism he's heading more towards Russia's side despite the country's invasion of Ukraine, Musk added: "I literally challenged [Vladimir] 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!" the billionaire continued in a further tweet.
Trump announced in his speech to Congress that he had indication from Putin that Russia is ready for peace, saying: "[We] have received strong signals that they are ready for peace. Wouldn't that be beautiful?
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"It's time to stop this madness. It's time to halt the killing. It's time to end this senseless war. If you want to end wars, you have to talk to both sides."
But just three days after that address, Trump issued a warning to Putin and Russia if it fails to act.
"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," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
"To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late. Thank you!!!"
Callum Jones