Putin Praises Elon Musk, Claims Close Contact Amid Ukraine Starlink Dispute

Russian President Vladimir Putin called Elon Musk a “genius” on Wednesday, Oct. 28, and said Moscow maintains close contact with the American billionaire, even as Ukraine faces controversy over access to SpaceX satellite communications used by its military.

Speaking at an exhibition during the Russia-Africa summit in Moscow, Putin praised Musk’s achievements in deploying thousands of satellites through SpaceX’s Starlink network.

“Elon Musk is a genius, truly a genius,” Putin said, comparing the scale of Starlink’s satellite constellation with Russia’s efforts to develop a competing system.

“How many units does he have in orbit? More than 5,000. And we’re only taking our first steps,” he added.

Putin also claimed that Russia remains in direct contact with American partners, including Musk, over satellite operations.

“We are in close contact with our American partners, including Mr. Musk, because it is crucial in orbit not to interfere with one another,” he said.

Russia is developing its own satellite internet constellation, known as Rassvet, for civilian and military communications. Russian Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadayev said Moscow had launched more than 30 satellites as part of the effort.

Praise comes amid Ukraine satellite dispute

Putin’s remarks come weeks after Ukraine reported restrictions affecting Starlink and Starshield, the military-grade satellite communications system developed by SpaceX.

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Ukraine relies heavily on satellite internet for battlefield communications, drone operations and logistical coordination along the front line.

Ukrainian officials said disruptions earlier in October complicated efforts to intercept Russian drones and forced some military operations to be postponed.

Ukraine said over the weekend that Starlink and Starshield services had returned to normal.

Neither Musk nor the US government has acknowledged responsibility for imposing the earlier restrictions.