Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Elon Musk as a “real genius” at the Russia-Africa Summit on Wednesday, as Moscow advances its own satellite internet network to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink.
Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadayev presented the Rassvet project, which has reportedly launched more than 30 satellites. The initiative aims to establish a sovereign network competing with Starlink’s constellation of roughly 10,000 satellites.
Musk accused Ukraine of exploiting a loophole by using commercial terminals for offensive drone strikes, although SpaceX and the US government have not accepted responsibility for the restrictions.
Reports have also indicated that Musk has maintained regular contact with Putin since late 2022, adding another dimension to scrutiny of their relationship and the growing strategic importance of satellite communications.
Related Tweet:
Putin hails Elon Musk as 'truly a genius' as Moscow seeks to develop its own satellite internet network. Putin's comments come amid a spat between Ukraine and the United States over access to Starshield, a military-grade satellite network powered by Musk's SpaceX https://t.co/Nx0jz7tJ6C
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) October 29, 2026
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