Tesla CEO Elon Musk says oil and gas production need to be ramped up: 'Hate to say it, but we need to increase oil & gas output immediately'

Tesla CEO Elon Musk issued a tweet on Friday declaring that oil and gas output should be ramped up, even though he acknowledged that such a move would have a negative impact on Tesla, which sells electric vehicles.

"Hate to say it, but we need to increase oil & gas output immediately. Extraordinary times demand extraordinary measures," Musk tweeted. "Obviously, this would negatively affect Tesla, but sustainable energy solutions simply cannot react instantaneously to make up for Russian oil & gas exports."

He also tweeted the message, "Hold Strong Ukraine," along with Ukrainian flag emojis. He followed that up by tweeting, "And also my sympathies to the great people of Russia, who do not want this."

Musk's comments come as Russia wreaks death and destruction in the sovereign nation of Ukraine. Ukrainians are bravely fighting back against the Russian onslaught.

The billionaire business tycoon, who is also the SpaceX CEO, has sought to help ensure that Ukraine has internet access during the conflict.

"Starlink service is now active in Ukraine. More terminals en route," Musk tweeted last week in response to Mykhailo Fedorov, a Ukrainian official who had asked Musk for Starlink stations.

Fedorov later shared a photo of supplies and tweeted, "Starlink — here. Thanks, @elonmusk."

Musk has issued a warning regarding the use of the satellite internet service.

"Important warning: Starlink is the only non-Russian communications system still working in some parts of Ukraine, so probability of being targeted is high. Please use with caution," Musk tweeted. "Turn on Starlink only when needed and place antenna away as far away from people as possible," he advised. "Place light camouflage over antenna to avoid visual detection."