American entrepreneur Elon Musk, described as the world’s wealthiest person, believes the Russian-Ukrainian conflict will end only through an agreement that includes concessions to Moscow. He expressed this view in an interview with The Economist.

Musk said many people involved in the debate were replacing the realities of the conflict with their own expectations, while continuing to demand a complete withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine. He called that scenario unrealistic and urged a more pragmatic approach to prevent the fighting from continuing for another three years.

The billionaire said he had advocated a negotiated settlement for years and had previously argued that some concessions to Russia would be necessary. He stressed that this position did not mean supporting Moscow, but reflected his view that refusing compromise would lead to years of deaths without producing meaningful results.

Musk also criticized diplomats who discuss the conflict over lavish dinners while people continue to die on the front line. He said he was angered by officials who, in his view, speak arrogantly about Russia withdrawing from territories controlled by its forces.

The entrepreneur expressed hope that the parties would reach some form of peace agreement in the near future.

On July 23, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and said further arms deliveries to Ukraine were unacceptable. He also accused European governments of continuing to pursue what he described as a policy of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia.

At the same time, Lavrov reaffirmed Moscow’s readiness to seek a diplomatic settlement and said Russia remained committed to the US proposals presented at the Anchorage summit.