MOSCOW — The Kremlin praised Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk on Tuesday for suggesting a attainable peace deal to finish the conflict in Ukraine, after Kyiv rebuked Musk for proposing phrases it views as rewarding Russia.

“It is vitally optimistic that any individual like Elon Musk is on the lookout for a peaceable means out of this case,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov instructed reporters in a convention name.

“In comparison with {many professional} diplomats, Musk continues to be trying to find methods to realize peace. And reaching peace with out fulfilling Russia’s situations is totally not possible,” he added.

In a Twitter ballot posted on Monday, the Tesla boss proposed Ukraine completely cede Crimea to Russia, that new referendums be held underneath U.N. auspices to find out the destiny of Russian-controlled territory, and that Ukraine comply with neutrality.

Kyiv says it is going to by no means comply with cede land taken by pressure, and lawful referendums can’t be held in occupied territory the place many individuals have been killed or pushed out. After Vladimir Putin introduced the annexation of 4 Ukrainian provinces final week, Kyiv mentioned it was making use of to hitch NATO, and wouldn’t negotiate with Russia so long as Putin is president.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy responded to Musk’s proposal together with his personal Twitter ballot asking: “Which @elonmusk do you want extra? One who helps Ukraine (or) one who helps Russia.”

As of Tuesday morning, Musk’s authentic ballot had garnered greater than 2.5 million votes, with some 60 % against the plan.

Peskov mentioned on Tuesday that “bots” — phoney twitter accounts — had been “actively taking part within the voting”. He supplied no proof.

Moscow had at all times been open to a negotiated finish to the battle, Peskov added. He criticized a brand new Ukrainian decree, signed by Zelenskiy on Tuesday, which says Kyiv won’t negotiate instantly with Putin for an finish to the battle.