The World's richest man Elon Musk has denied reports he spoke directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin before tweeting out his widely criticised proposal to end the war in Ukraine.
Musk proposed Crimea be formally recognised as a part of Russia and further elections held in the annexed areas, but under UN supervision.
Political scientist Ian Bremmer claimed that the Tesla CEO told him about the discussion with Putin and that the Russian dictator was "prepared to negotiate", but only if certain requirements were met.
But since when asked if the claims, published by Vice were true, the billionaire tweeted: "No, it is not. I have spoken to Putin only once and that was about 18 months ago. The subject matter was space."
Detailed in a mailout to Eurasia Group subscribers, Bremmer said that Musk had told him Putin's demands.
They were that Crimea remain Russian, that Ukraine must accept a form of permanent neutrality, and that the world must recognise Russia’s annexation of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.
Bremmer continued writing that Musk told him that “everything needed to be done to avoid that outcome.”
Referendums were held by Russia in the annexed territories, but they have been slammed as illegitimate internationally.
Musk's suggestions on Twitter were met with condemnation from politicians across Europe.
President Zelensky, who hasn't been one to shy away from social media, Tweeted "Which @elonmusk do you like more?" as he offered two options.
"The one who supports Ukraine, or the one that supports Russia?", as thousands voted in the poll to offer their support to Ukraine.
Musk had previoulsy offered the use of his Starlink devices to Ukraine's forces with thousands of units being donated by the company, bought by the US and paid for by crowdfunding.
They provide vital network access to those on the frontline.
Mykhaylo Podolyak, a Ukrainian presidential aide to President Zelensky, said there needed to be a "better peace plan" in place which included Ukraine taking back its annexed territories - including Crimea.
The plan would include Russia giving up their military and nuclear weapons. He also said Moscow's "war criminals" should face an international tribunal.
Whilst another leader Andriy Melnyk, Ukraine's outgoing ambassador to Germany, offered a more brutal response to Elon Musk's ideas.
He tweeted: "F**k off is my very diplomatic reply to you @elonmusk."
The Tesla's idea drew criticism from European leaders across the spectrum including Lithuania's president, Gitanas Nausėda.
The president tweeted in response: “Dear @elonmusk, when someone tries to steal the wheels of your Tesla, it doesn’t make them legal owner of the car or of the wheels.
"Even though they claim both voted in favour of it. Just saying.”
The chief executive of SpaceX tried tweeting again and opted for another poll to gauge the reaction of his followers.
He said: “Let’s try this then: the will of the people who live in the Donbas and Crimea should decide whether they’re part of Russia or Ukraine.”
Tesla and Musk have been contacted for comment.
