Russian President Vladimir Putin has described American billionaire Elon Musk as a “real genius”, praising his achievements in satellite technology as Moscow works to develop its own alternative to SpaceX’s Starlink internet network.
Putin made the remarks on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, while visiting an exhibition in Moscow on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Summit. He was accompanied by African leaders when the discussion turned to Russia’s progress in building a satellite-based internet system.
The Russian leader also disclosed that Moscow maintains contact with American partners, including Musk, to prevent interference between satellite networks operating in space.
The comments have attracted attention because Musk’s Starlink technology has played an important role in Ukraine’s military communications during its war with Russia, creating a complicated relationship between the American technology entrepreneur and the two countries.
Putin Acknowledges Musk’s Achievement in Satellite Technology
During the exhibition visit, Russia’s Minister of Digital Development, Maksut Shadayev, briefed Putin on the country’s progress in developing its own low-orbit satellite network.
Shadayev said Russia had launched more than 30 satellites as part of its effort to establish a system comparable to Starlink.
Putin contrasted the early stage of Russia’s programme with Musk’s much larger satellite operation, acknowledging that SpaceX had established a significant lead in the sector.
He said Russia was proud to have started developing its own technology but recognised the scale of the challenge ahead. The next priority, according to Putin, was to increase the number of satellites in orbit.
Russia Says It Is in Contact With Musk
Beyond praising Musk, Putin said Russia was communicating with American partners, including the SpaceX founder, over activities in orbit.
He explained that coordination was important because satellite operators needed to avoid interfering with one another and maintain order in space.
His remarks suggested that Moscow considers communication between satellite operators important even amid the political disagreements between Russia and the United States.
However, Putin did not provide details of any specific business agreement, formal partnership or direct negotiations with Musk. His statement about close contact should therefore not be interpreted as confirmation that SpaceX and the Russian government have entered into a commercial collaboration.
Russia Develops Rassvet to Compete With Starlink
Russia is developing a satellite internet network known as Rassvet, which is intended to provide an alternative to Starlink.
Starlink, operated by Musk’s SpaceX, uses thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet services across different parts of the world. Its relatively low orbital altitude allows it to provide faster communication compared with traditional satellite systems.
Russia has long sought to establish a similar network for civilian and military purposes. However, its progress remains considerably behind SpaceX’s existing infrastructure.
The Russian government views Rassvet as part of its efforts to strengthen technological independence and reduce reliance on foreign communications systems.
Starlink’s Role in the Russia-Ukraine War
Putin’s comments come amid renewed attention on Starlink’s importance to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Ukrainian forces have depended heavily on the satellite network for battlefield communications, coordination and drone operations. Its military-focused counterpart, Starshield, has also been used in support of Ukraine’s defence activities.
Earlier in October, Ukrainian officials reported connectivity problems and restrictions that affected some military operations, including efforts to counter Russian drone attacks.
Musk subsequently said Ukraine’s military had violated SpaceX’s terms of service by using Starlink for unauthorised offensive drone operations. Ukraine, meanwhile, highlighted the impact that interruptions to satellite connectivity could have on its military capabilities.
The episode has underlined the influence that private technology companies can exercise over communications infrastructure used during international conflicts.
Musk’s Relationship With Russia Attracts Attention
Musk has previously attracted attention over his relationship with Russian officials, particularly because of his influence over satellite communications and his involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
Russian officials have also expressed interest in working with the billionaire on space-related projects. In 2025, Putin’s investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev indicated that Russia would welcome cooperation with Musk on a possible mission to Mars.
Nevertheless, Putin’s latest comments have not established that Musk is directly involved in developing Russia’s Rassvet network. The Russian president’s remarks focused on satellite coordination and his admiration for the technological progress achieved by SpaceX.
What Putin’s Comments Mean for the Global Space Industry
The remarks highlight the growing strategic importance of satellite internet systems, particularly as countries compete to secure reliable communications infrastructure.
Starlink’s success has demonstrated how low-orbit satellite networks can transform internet access, but its role in Ukraine has also raised questions about the power private companies hold when their technology becomes essential to national security.
For Russia, expanding Rassvet could provide an important alternative and strengthen its technological independence. However, matching the scale and capabilities of SpaceX’s network will require significant investment, satellite launches and continued technological development.
Putin’s praise of Musk therefore reflects both recognition of SpaceX’s achievements and Russia’s determination to narrow the gap in the increasingly competitive satellite communications industry.
