Elon Musk In Twitter's Crosshairs Yet Again After Suggesting Ceasefire In Russia-Ukraine Conflict

On Sunday, the Pontifex (aka Pope Francis) renewed his call for a peaceful ceasefire in the Russia-Ukrainian conflict, citing an increase in the devastation and chance of it spilling over into a greater concern for humanity. In a reply, Elon Musk then seemingly agreed.

War always gives ample reason for vengeance for all sides. Only by overcoming this instinct can there be peace.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 2, 2022

The following day, Musk revisited the topic of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, of which he previously aided the people of Ukraine with his Starlink technology at the onset of the battle.

This time, however, instead of extending the use of advanced communications tech, he tried extending an olive branch — in the form of a Twitter poll after laying out what he believed to be a way for Ukraine and Russia to attain peace and have a ceasefire. This idea held water briefly, with few weighing the benefits of ending the war with a vote on whether to officially join part of Russia or have them be expelled from the area democratically.

Ukraine-Russia Peace:

- Redo elections of annexed regions under UN supervision. Russia leaves if that is will of the people.

- Crimea formally part of Russia, as it has been since 1783 (until Khrushchev’s mistake).

- Water supply to Crimea assured.

- Ukraine remains neutral.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 3, 2022

⚡️Pope Francis appeals to Putin to stop ‘spiral of violence and death.’

Pope Francis called for an immediate ceasefire and a diplomatic solution to Russia’s war in Ukraine “in the name of God and of the sense of humanity that dwells in every heart,” he said on Twitter on Oct. 2.

— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) October 3, 2022

Let’s try this then: the will of the people who live in the Donbas & Crimea should decide whether they’re part of Russia or Ukraine

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 3, 2022

As has often been the case with much of Twitter lately, which Musk still hasn't closed on, many on the platform reacted to Musk's idea negatively — even siding with the Pope wasn't enough to stave off backlash.

Musk's plan for a ceasefire and peace between the two nations was quickly dismissed by some as Kremlin propaganda, as Ukraine has recently started to retake some land in the conflict, leading many to believe that Russia can be permanently pushed out.

This led Zelenskyy and other notable figures in the region to rebuke Musk for his tweets and insinuations, and outright claim that he is supporting Russia with what he suggested.

Which @elonmusk do you like more?

— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 3, 2022

Ukraine's ambassador lashes out at Elon Musk's peace proposal, telling him to "fuck off" and saying no Ukrainian will buy his "Tesla crap" pic.twitter.com/egrhbA3rEA

— BNO News (@BNONews) October 3, 2022

Musk’s proposal in a nutshell: pic.twitter.com/5rlwBlSo96

— Alex Kokcharov (@AlexKokcharov) October 4, 2022

This is moral idiocy, repetition of Kremlin propaganda, a betrayal of Ukrainian courage & sacrifice, and puts a few minutes browsing Crimea on Wikipedia over the current horrific reality of Putin's bloody war. https://t.co/63rmDmqTzb

— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) October 3, 2022

Whether or not Musk intended to favor either side in the conflict with his poll or stir up yet another bout of backlash against him, at times like this, it's important to consider a Twitter classic before one shares their thoughts to millions of internet users.

.@bravocoolee was suspended so I'm bookmarking this scripture for later pic.twitter.com/UDKZMHOjtv

— Melissa (@melissasprofile) July 10, 2022