In a recent discussion hosted by entrepreneur David Sacks, Elon Musk expressed his concern over the growing alliance between Russia and China, stating that the West's actions were driving Russian President Vladimir Putin into the arms of Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Musk called for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and the normalization of relations with Moscow to prevent a potential third world war.

During the discussion, which also included GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, the focus shifted from the subject of Israel and Hamas to a broader debate on geopolitics. All three tech entrepreneurs agreed that Western sanctions were responsible for pushing Russia closer to China.

Drawing on his experience as CEO of SpaceX and his frequent meetings with world leaders, Musk highlighted the breakdown in communication channels between major powers, fostering an atmosphere of suspicion and fear of a potential attack. He also pointed out that Russia and China had begun conducting joint military exercises, indicating a deepening partnership.

Musk criticized the West's decision to impose extensive sanctions on Putin, arguing that it left Russia with no choice but to seek support from China. He emphasized the complementary strengths of the two nations, with Russia possessing significant raw materials and China showcasing industrial capacity, making them a formidable force from a military standpoint.

In response to queries about the possibility of a peaceful resolution with Russia and whether Putin could trust the West, Musk resurfaced a controversial peace proposal he had put forward in October. This proposal involved an internationally supervised referendum in the territories seized by Russia, allowing Ukrainian refugees to return to their former homes and cast their votes alongside fellow Russians. Musk argued that Ukrainians and Russians are not natural adversaries and that a concession by Ukraine would spare the lives of its citizens and prevent a broader conflict.

Musk stressed the urgency of seeking peace and restoring normal relations with Russia. He clarified that this was not a reward for Russia but rather a recognition of the existing realities. Should Musk's proposal come to fruition, it would mark the third time that Putin's territorial ambitions through military conquest had been fulfilled, following interventions in ethnic Russian enclaves in Georgia in 2008 and Crimea in 2014.

According to Musk, the end of a rules-based international order may be an unfortunate consequence, but it is crucial to prevent the horrors of a third world war. He believes that this outcome would be far worse than a return to the era of empires witnessed in the previous century.

As tensions continue to escalate between Russia and Ukraine, Elon Musk's plea for a ceasefire and his proposed peace plan may offer a path towards de-escalation. However, the feasibility and acceptance of such proposals remain uncertain, leading the world to closely monitor the evolving dynamics between these global powers.