Elon Musk has said Russia “will certainly gain more land” in Ukraine, and that if the war lasts long “Odesa will fall too”.

Writing on social media, the billionaire said there is “no chance” of Russia taking all of Ukraine, but said it is tough for Kyiv to hold land “that doesn’t have strong natural barriers”.

He added that it was “a tragic waste of life for Ukraine to attack a larger army” and that the question remained as to whether Ukraine would lose all access to the Black Sea.

“I recommend a negotiated settlement before that happens,” he said.

Mr Musk has commented on the war several times, and sparked international outrage in 2022 for suggesting Ukraine could concede land to the Kremlin to bring peace. Mr Musk hit back at the comments and said he “very much supports Ukraine”.

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