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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday praised Elon Musk as a "real genius" while revealing that Moscow remains in close contact with the billionaire
over satellite technology, as Russia develops its own alternative to the Starlink satellite internet network. Speaking during a presentation on Russia's satellite internet project Rassvet, Putin stressed the importance of coordination with the United States to prevent satellite systems from interfering with one another in orbit. His remarks come days after Ukraine reported disruptions to Starlink connectivity, which its military relies on for battlefield communications and drone operations. "He's a genius, a real genius," Putin said of Musk.
Putin Reveals Close Contact With Musk
During the presentation, Russian Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadayev briefed Putin on the country's efforts to establish its own satellite internet network. Russia has launched more than 30 satellites as part of the project, according to Shadayev.
Putin said Moscow's contacts with American partners, including Musk, were important to ensure that satellite systems could operate without disrupting each other.
"We are in close contact with our American partners — including Mr Musk — because it is very important, in orbit, not to get in each other's way and to maintain a certain level of discipline and order," Putin said.
He also emphasized that Russia had begun building its satellite network independently, adding that the next challenge was to expand its capabilities.
The Russian Embassy in South Africa described Rassvet as Russia's alternative to Starlink, calling it the country's first steps in the field.
Starlink, operated by Musk's SpaceX, has launched thousands of satellites into orbit. While figures cited by the company and independent trackers differ, its constellation is substantially larger than Russia's emerging network. Starlink does not operate in Russia.
Ukraine Reports Starlink Disruptions
Putin's remarks come amid concerns over Starlink connectivity in Ukraine, where the satellite network has played an important role in military communications and drone operations during Russia's invasion.
Ukrainian officials began reporting problems with terminals moving at speed on October 14. The disruptions reportedly affected efforts to intercept Russian attack drones and forced the cancellation of some military operations.
Ukraine later said Starlink and Starshield services were fully functional again. However, Musk accused the Ukrainian military of violating SpaceX's terms.
Musk had previously acknowledged that SpaceX intentionally restricted some Starlink connectivity, although neither he nor the US government, which operates Starshield using Starlink technology, took responsibility for imposing the reported speed restrictions.
Russia-US Contacts Continue Amid Ukraine War
Putin's praise for Musk comes as Moscow and Washington have maintained contacts on several issues despite the ongoing war in Ukraine.
US President Donald Trump recently announced a deal to import Russian diesel in an effort to lower fuel prices that had surged amid the US war with Iran. Washington also waived certain sanctions against Russia, while a US citizen was released from Russian custody.
Russian officials have previously expressed interest in working with Musk. In 2025, Putin's investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev said Russia would like to cooperate with the billionaire on a mission to Mars.
Musk, who was born in South Africa before moving to Canada and later settling in the United States, leads SpaceX and Tesla and has been a prominent political ally and financier of Trump and other Republican politicians.
