GRANT Shapps says tweets by Elon Musk mocking Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky are simply “unhelpful”.
The Defence Secretary told a conference fringe event war-hit Ukraine needs “strong friends”.
PAGrant Shapps says tweets by Elon Musk mocking Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky are simply ‘unhelpful’[/caption]
GettyBillionaire Musk took aim online at Zelensky’s pleas for aid[/caption]
It came after billionaire Musk took aim online at Zelensky’s pleas for aid.
Mr Shapps said: “I think it’s unhelpful, to be blunt.
“I can’t speak for him or his motivations. He’s a free individual, we live in a free world.
“He can tweet or X what he likes.”
“What Ukraine really needs is strong and steady friends who won’t waver,”
The mockery by Mr Musk has gone down badly in Ukraine, making it the latest controversial outburst by the high-profile businessman.
Last year, Musk has threatened to cut off the vital satellite internet service used by Ukrainian soldiers – and suggested it’s because an ambassador was rude to him.
A letter from his firm SpaceX warning it will end the Starlink service emerged days after a furious bust-up over Crimea and the tycoon’s alleged ties to Vladimir Putin.
Musk caused outrage earlier with a poll suggesting a “peace” plan that involves Kyiv ceding Crimea and the Donbas to the Kremlin.
It sparked a furious twitter row with president Volodomyr Zelensky, who accused him of siding with tyrant Putin.
He posted his own Twitter poll asking: “Which @elonmusk do you like more? One who supports Ukraine (or) one who supports Russia.”
And Kyiv’s ambassador to Germany, Andriy Melnyk, tweeted bluntly: “F*** off is my very diplomatic reply to you @elonmusk.”
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