Musk Claims He Challenged Putin to ‘One-on-One Physical Combat’ Over Ukraine

Elon Musk has reignited controversy over the war in Ukraine, claiming on social media that he challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin to a “one-on-one physical combat” over the conflict.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Musk’s SpaceX has provided Ukraine with thousands of Starlink satellite internet terminals, which have become a critical tool for battlefield communication, Reuters reported.

Musk’s latest comments come as he plays an increasingly influential role in U.S. politics as an advisor to President Donald Trump.

On Saturday, Musk reiterated a challenge he first made in 2022, daring Putin to single combat over Ukraine. He also claimed that without Starlink, Ukraine’s military front lines would “collapse.”

“I literally challenged 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,” Musk wrote.

Musk’s comments have sparked backlash, with critics accusing him of downplaying Russia’s aggression and ignoring Ukraine’s right to defend itself.