Elon Musk has suggested that sanctioning Ukraine’s wealthiest oligarchs could be the key to bringing an end to the conflict with Russia. In a post on X on March 8, Musk proposed targeting the top ten Ukrainian business magnates, particularly those with properties in Monaco, arguing that such a measure would compel Kiev to start peace negotiations. His remarks came as part of an ongoing discussion on US financial assistance to Ukraine, a subject he has frequently criticized while advocating for reduced federal spending on foreign aid.

The suggestion came in response to a post by US Senator Mike Lee, who had called for Washington to halt its financial support for Ukraine. Musk, who leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), stated that by sanctioning Ukraine’s most influential oligarchs, an immediate change in the situation could be expected. He did not elaborate on the precise mechanism through which this action would force Kiev to negotiate, but the implication was that these individuals exert significant control over the country’s leadership and decision-making process.

According to the news outlet Ukrainian Focus, as of September 2024, the wealthiest individuals in Ukraine include Rinat Akhmetov, the owner of industrial conglomerate SCM Group, Viktor Pinchuk, who controls Interpipe Group, former President Petro Poroshenko, Dneprazot owner Igor Kolomoisky, and Konstantin Zhevago, the head of Ferrexpo. These individuals are among those who have played a substantial role in the Ukrainian war effort,........

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