US billionaire and SpaceX founder Elon Musk has called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to step down. In a post on social media platform X on Wednesday, he stated, "It is time for Zelenskyy to step down."
Musk's comment comes amid the war situation in Ukraine and uncertainty surrounding US support for the country. Kyiv has accused Washington of aiding Moscow by failing to provide advance warnings regarding Russian missile attacks and by making changes to the satellite systems used for Ukraine's military communications.
Zelenskyy had called for the restoration of the Starlink satellite internet system, manufactured by Musk's company. Ukraine claimed that the effectiveness of the system they use has been reduced. However, Musk stated that any disruption in this regard is the responsibility of the US government.
Highlighting the difference between the Starlink and Starshield systems, Musk said that Ukraine relies on Starshield for battlefield communications, which is controlled by the US government. On the other hand, Ukraine also uses the civilian Starlink satellite system, but it is not permitted to be used in offensive operations.
Earlier, Zelenskyy had criticized US President Donald Trump over a diesel supply agreement between the US and Russia, despite sanctions on the latter. When asked if he felt like a "victim of betrayal" following the agreement, he answered in the affirmative.
In response to Zelenskyy's criticism, Trump also stated last Saturday that it is time for Ukraine to have a new president. According to him, a new leader is needed who can reach a deal.
Meanwhile, a senior Ukrainian official has accused the US of helping Ukraine thwart attacks by providing information on Russian missile launches. However, it has been threatened that this intelligence supply would be halted in recent days. Trump, however, has denied this allegation.
Important midterm elections are going to be held in the US next month. Rising fuel prices in the country are one of the most discussed topics of the election. Trump alleges that Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries have created a crisis in fuel supply and increased prices at the pump.
