Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has hit back at Elon Musk’s “crazy” Twitter poll on Russia-Ukraine peace proposals.
The Tesla titan took to Twitter to propose a string of ideas to resolve the eight-month conflict, asking his followers to vote “yes” or “no” on his plans, including formally allowing Russia to annex Crimea.
And the stunt went down badly with the country’s leader who took to Twitter with his own poll.
Mr Zelensky, who became a social media star in his own right during the war, asked his 6.6 million Twitter followers to vote on who they “liked most” Elon Musk.
Then he gave them two options: “pro-Ukraine” or “pro-Russia”.
The world’s richest man drew harsh criticism from Ukrainians after he laid out specific peace plans to end the war.
“Repeat the elections of the annexed territories under UN supervision. Russia leaves if that is the will of the people,” Mr Musk wrote.
“Crimea was formally a part of Russia and had been since 1783 (until Khrushchev’s blunder).
“Water supply to Crimea guaranteed. Ukraine remains neutral.
The world’s richest man later added: “Eventually it’s very possible – it’s just a question of how many people die before then.
“The potential, though unlikely, possibility of nuclear war from this conflict is significant.”
He later added: “Russia is doing regional mobilization. If Crimea is in danger they go to full combat mobilization. Death on both sides is devastating. Russia> has 3 times the population of Ukraine, so Ukraine’s victory in a total war is unlikely. If you care about the people of Ukraine, seek peace.
Mr Musk’s proposals, including voting in annexed areas, were slammed by some Twitter critics.
“First, polling people in an active and contested war zone, even during a ceasefire, is insane. UN Audiences are not permanent. What happens to voters who vote incorrectly after one side wins? Ukrainian-born ex-Australian ambassador Dmitry Grosopinsky tweeted.
Another user added: “Elon plans Russian campaign, Ukraine brings out heavy weapons.”
“There should have been a third option: Elon Musk shuts up about things he knows nothing about,” tweeted another user.
“Lifelong social media lover. Falls down a lot. Creator. Devoted food aficionado. Explorer. Typical troublemaker.”