NEW DELHI: Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, has voiced concerns over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, labeling it as potentially becoming “a forever war.” His comments were made in response to a new $61 billion funding package for Kiev approved by the House of Representatives.
Musk expressed his apprehensions on X (formerly Twitter), in a dialogue initiated by fellow billionaire David Sachs, who commented on the recent legislative approval.Musk stated, “My biggest concern is that there is no exit strategy, just a forever war where kids die in trenches from artillery or charging machine guns and snipers through minefields.”
The tech billionaire has previously criticized the lack of accountability in how aid to Ukraine is utilized and called for a comprehensive plan to resolve the conflict. In February, Musk suggested that the United States should cease its financial aid to Ukraine, arguing that it only prolongs the war and that there is “no way in hell” Russia would lose. He also mentioned that the ongoing military support does not truly benefit Ukraine, implying that prolonging the conflict could lead to greater losses for Kiev.
Musk’s involvement with Ukraine has been complex. He provided Kiev with free Starlink internet terminals and access to the satellite-based network. However, he later refused to activate the service near the Russian port city of Sevastopol in Crimea, citing concerns that it could be used to escalate the conflict.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian and Western leaders expressed relief and gratitude following the US House of Representatives’ approval of a substantial aid package aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s ongoing invasion. The package, which includes significant military aid, was passed during a rare Saturday session, reflecting a bipartisan effort to support Ukraine amidst its prolonged conflict with Russia.
Details of the aid package
The $95 billion aid package is not solely dedicated to Ukraine but also includes assistance for Israel and other U.S. allies. Of this, $61 billion is earmarked for military aid, with $13.8 billion allocated specifically for Ukraine to purchase weapons. This funding is seen as crucial to counter Russia’s incremental advances as the war enters its third year. Ukrainian commanders and analysts have highlighted the necessity of this aid, stating that while it will help slow down Russian forces, more support will likely be needed for Kyiv to regain the offensive.
Ukrainian president’s reaction
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” expressed his gratitude toward U.S. lawmakers. He emphasized that the aid package would “send the Kremlin a powerful signal that (Ukraine) will not be the second Afghanistan.” Zelenskyy outlined that Ukraine would focus on acquiring long-range weapons and enhancing air defenses to counteract what he described as an anticipated “full-scale offensive” by Russian forces.
Russia’s response
In contrast, the Kremlin warned that the US aid package would “further ruin” Ukraine and lead to more casualties. This statement underscores the deepening rift between Western support for Ukraine and Russian opposition to external involvement in the conflict.
Next steps for the aid package
The aid package is now headed to the US Senate, where it could be passed as early as Tuesday. President Joe Biden has indicated his readiness to sign the bill immediately upon its passage. However, there will be a delay before the aid can impact the ground situation, as logistics and distribution to the front lines are expected to take weeks.
(With inputs from agencies)
Musk expressed his apprehensions on X (formerly Twitter), in a dialogue initiated by fellow billionaire David Sachs, who commented on the recent legislative approval.Musk stated, “My biggest concern is that there is no exit strategy, just a forever war where kids die in trenches from artillery or charging machine guns and snipers through minefields.”
The tech billionaire has previously criticized the lack of accountability in how aid to Ukraine is utilized and called for a comprehensive plan to resolve the conflict. In February, Musk suggested that the United States should cease its financial aid to Ukraine, arguing that it only prolongs the war and that there is “no way in hell” Russia would lose. He also mentioned that the ongoing military support does not truly benefit Ukraine, implying that prolonging the conflict could lead to greater losses for Kiev.
Musk’s involvement with Ukraine has been complex. He provided Kiev with free Starlink internet terminals and access to the satellite-based network. However, he later refused to activate the service near the Russian port city of Sevastopol in Crimea, citing concerns that it could be used to escalate the conflict.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian and Western leaders expressed relief and gratitude following the US House of Representatives’ approval of a substantial aid package aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s ongoing invasion. The package, which includes significant military aid, was passed during a rare Saturday session, reflecting a bipartisan effort to support Ukraine amidst its prolonged conflict with Russia.
Details of the aid package
The $95 billion aid package is not solely dedicated to Ukraine but also includes assistance for Israel and other U.S. allies. Of this, $61 billion is earmarked for military aid, with $13.8 billion allocated specifically for Ukraine to purchase weapons. This funding is seen as crucial to counter Russia’s incremental advances as the war enters its third year. Ukrainian commanders and analysts have highlighted the necessity of this aid, stating that while it will help slow down Russian forces, more support will likely be needed for Kyiv to regain the offensive.
Ukrainian president’s reaction
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” expressed his gratitude toward U.S. lawmakers. He emphasized that the aid package would “send the Kremlin a powerful signal that (Ukraine) will not be the second Afghanistan.” Zelenskyy outlined that Ukraine would focus on acquiring long-range weapons and enhancing air defenses to counteract what he described as an anticipated “full-scale offensive” by Russian forces.
Russia’s response
In contrast, the Kremlin warned that the US aid package would “further ruin” Ukraine and lead to more casualties. This statement underscores the deepening rift between Western support for Ukraine and Russian opposition to external involvement in the conflict.
Next steps for the aid package
The aid package is now headed to the US Senate, where it could be passed as early as Tuesday. President Joe Biden has indicated his readiness to sign the bill immediately upon its passage. However, there will be a delay before the aid can impact the ground situation, as logistics and distribution to the front lines are expected to take weeks.
(With inputs from agencies)
