The billionaire has dismissed criticism over his refusal to assist Kiev assault the Russian naval fleet in Crimea
American tech billionaire Elon Musk has responded to criticism over his refusal to assist allow a Ukrainian drone assault on Russian naval forces in Crimea by declaring that he’s a citizen of solely the US and isn’t obliged to combat for Kiev.
“I’m a citizen of the US and have solely that passport,” Musk mentioned on Monday in a publish on his X (previously Twitter) social media platform. “It doesn’t matter what occurs, I’ll combat for and die in America.” He added that in mild of the truth that the US Congress hasn’t declared warfare on Russia, “if anybody is treasonous, it’s those that name me such. Please inform them that very clearly.”
At situation is Musk’s resolution final yr to forestall his Starlink satellite tv for pc community from getting used to information Ukrainian naval drones for an assault towards the Russian Black Sea Fleet on the Crimean coast. When information of Musk’s refusal got here to mild final week, US media shops prompt that he had been traitorous, and Ukrainian presidential aide Mikhail Podoliak accused him of “committing evil and inspiring evil.”
I’m a citizen of the US and have solely that passport. It doesn’t matter what occurs, I’ll combat for and die in America.The USA Congress has not declared warfare on Russia. If anybody is treasonous, it’s those that name me such.Please inform them that very clearly.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 11, 2023
The Tesla CEO and SpaceX founder gave Ukraine free use of greater than 20,000 Starlink terminals after Russia launched its navy offensive towards Kiev in February 2022. His goal was to maintain Ukrainians from shedding web entry and communications capabilities amid the battle.
Nevertheless, Musk expressed concern about his community getting used for offensive functions and doubtlessly taking part in half in triggering a wider battle. He due to this fact refused Kiev’s pleas to increase the nation’s Starlink protection all the way in which to Sevastopol. “If I had agreed to their request, then SpaceX can be explicitly complicit in a significant act of warfare and battle escalation.”
CNN host Jake Tapper argued on Sunday that Musk had “successfully sabotaged” an American ally, and he requested US Secretary of State Antony Blinken whether or not the “capricious billionaire” ought to due to this fact face “repercussions.” Blinken declined to sentence Musk and identified that Starlink had been a significant device for Ukraine’s protection.
