I've read the same thing but with Czech people a few weeks back. The bot saying that those millions of people will surely be missed but such a genius that can send man on Mars and fix humanity's problems would be a bigger loss or something.
I guess it answers that no matter who or what you're putting in the ring against the life of Musk.
Why on Earth would you reduce armaments when you have a warring country that is ostensibly hostile to yours nearby, and is making plans to invade the countries you're directly bordering? Countries that you are allied to, both politically and militarily?