Putin Praises Elon Musk As A Real Genius During Moscow Briefing

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Elon Musk as a real genius during an October 28, 2026 summit in Moscow, noting that Russia is in close communication with American partners to maintain space discipline while building its own Rassvet satellite internet network.

President Vladimir Putin offered high praise for SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk on Wednesday, acknowledging that Russia is only beginning to roll out its answer to the Starlink satellite internet network. Speaking at the Russia-Africa summit in Moscow while accompanied by visiting African leaders, Putin paused during a presentation by Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadayev to compliment the American billionaire.

Just a second, I want to point out this is just our first step. Elon Musk is a genius, he’s just a real genius.

Mr Putin, President of Russia

Shadayev reported during the briefing that Moscow had launched more than 30 satellites for the project as Russia’s gradual efforts to build its own Rassvet constellation proceeded as an alternative to the Western system.

Moscow Compares Its Satellite Count To Musk’s Fleet

During the ministerial exchange, Shadayev noted that Musk operated more than 5,000 low-orbit satellites, though independent tracking site Orbital Radar places the actual figure closer to 10,000. Putin acknowledged the numerical disparity while emphasizing domestic progress.

Over 5,000 – while we are only taking our first steps. But we are proud that we have begun to do this, and started to do it independently.

Mr Putin, President of Russia

Putin added that the immediate operational task for Russia’s space sector is to move from quality to quantity. Beyond domestic manufacturing, the Russian leader pointed to ongoing communication with American counterparts regarding orbital traffic management.

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.

Mr Putin, President of Russia

Starlink Restrictions Disrupt Ukrainian Drone Operations

The public praise arrived against the backdrop of acute tensions surrounding Starlink’s use in the war in Ukraine, where the low-orbit constellation serves as a vital component for military communications and drone operations. Ukrainian forces encountered disruptions earlier in October when speed restrictions hampered drone defense operations and forced the cancellation of missions.

Serhii Beskrestnov, a defense technology adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, noted that long-standing restrictions on the civilian system in Ukraine made offensive use impossible. Beskrestnov stated in an online post that it was strange Musk did not know about the restrictions on Starlink’s operation in Ukraine.

It’s very strange that Elon Musk doesn’t know about the restrictions on Starlink’s operation in Ukraine.

Serhii Beskrestnov, defense technology adviser to Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Musk addressed the controversy over the weekend, confirming that SpaceX had temporarily throttled connections to curb unauthorized military utilization. The SpaceX chief executive argued that civilian infrastructure should not facilitate lethal engagements.

Using Starlink, a civilian commercial service, for offensive drone strikes to kill people has never been allowed, nor should it be.

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX

While Ukrainian officials reported over the weekend that standard functionality had been restored to Starlink and its military variant Starshield, the temporary curbs deepened diplomatic strain between Kyiv and Washington. Those strains followed announcements regarding energy trade and American pressure on Ukrainian leadership regarding infrastructure targets. How will Kyiv and Washington resolve the diplomatic strain caused by the temporary Starlink curbs?

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