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Putin calls Musk a 'genius,' says Moscow works closely with US on space
Russian President Vladimir Putin called SpaceX founder Elon Musk a genius and said Russia is in close contact with the United States, including Musk, on low-orbit satellite constellations, adding that cooperation continues despite political differences.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday heaped praise on Elon Musk, describing the SpaceX and Tesla chief as "a genius, a real genius," and said Moscow keeps in close touch with Washington and Musk himself on space issues.
Russian media reported that Putin made the remarks on the sidelines of the Russia–Africa forum in Moscow, where he was asked about Russia's satellite internet plans.
Satellite traffic tops the agenda
Putin said low-orbit satellite constellations are the main subject of the contacts. He said it is very important for countries "not to interfere with each other" in orbit and to observe discipline and order, adding that Roscosmos and other Russian firms work closely with American partners despite political disagreements.
Putin: Musk is far ahead of Russia
"He has more than 5,000 of these satellites in orbit, and we are only taking the first steps," Putin said of Musk, whose Starlink network is the world's largest satellite internet system.
Putin said Russia is proud to have started building its own rival to Starlink. The Rassvet constellation, developed by the Russian company Bureau 1440, is meant to provide broadband internet from low orbit; its first 16 satellites were launched in March.
Starlink has been vital for Ukraine
The praise is notable because Starlink terminals have been a key communications tool for Ukraine's armed forces since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, and Moscow has repeatedly criticized their use on the battlefield.
It is not the first time Putin has spoken warmly of the billionaire. In April 2025 he compared Musk to Sergei Korolev, the engineer behind the Soviet space program's early successes.
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