ANKARA

Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed Gazprombank Deputy CEO Dmitry Zauers to collaborate Friday with billionaire entrepreneur and head of the US Department of Government Efficiency, Elon Musk, to advance technology development, according to Russian media.

Zauers informed the Russian president about domestically made batteries used in aerospace applications and neurochips, Russia’s state-run Tass news agency reported.

The banker said they are "our answer to Elon Musk," as the US entrepreneur is a major figure in those industries.

"Join forces with Musk," Putin said. "When he is finished reforming administrative agencies in the US, he will get back to science. You should work with him,” he added.

“We are already negotiating to work together in space, we can collaborate in this sphere also," the Russian leader added.