Putin Calls Elon Musk a 'Real Genius' and Says Russia Is in Close Contact on Satellite Technology

Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised Elon Musk as a "real genius" and said Moscow is in "close" contact with the SpaceX founder over satellite technology. He made the remarks on Wednesday at the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow.

Putin was discussing Rassvet, a Russian satellite internet project that connects users to the web from orbit. "He's a genius, a real genius," he said of Musk, according to a BBC translation. "We are in close contact with our American partners, including Mr. Musk."

The Russian leader said the contact matters so that Rassvet and Starlink satellites do not "interfere with each other in orbit". He added: "We and our American partners value this mutually, and despite all the political questions, we are working hard." Starlink is part of SpaceX, which did not respond to a request for comment.

The two networks differ greatly in size. Starlink says it has launched roughly 13,000 satellites, while online satellite trackers show only a couple of dozen Rassvet satellites currently in orbit.

The Russian Embassy in South Africa described Rassvet on Wednesday as "Russia's Starlink alternative" and said it "marks only the country's first steps in this field". The embassy also wrote that "Russia maintains close contacts with the US on space, including with Elon Musk."

The comments come as Washington and Moscow appear to be drawing closer, even as the fifth anniversary of Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches. Ukraine has relied on Starlink internet in its efforts to hold back Russian forces. Last week, its military suddenly suffered Starlink connectivity problems, which Musk has admitted SpaceX caused intentionally.

Other recent developments point to warming ties. Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump said he had struck a deal with Russia to import diesel, aiming to lower gas prices that have soared because of the US war with Iran. Trump then waived certain sanctions against Russia that had been due to take effect.

Not long afterward, a US citizen was released from Russian custody. US envoy Steve Witkoff referred to Putin as a "humanitarian" in connection with the release.

Musk was born in South Africa, moved to Canada and later settled in the United States. His businesses, including Tesla, SpaceX and Starlink, are all based in America, with most operating from California and Texas. He has been one of the biggest political allies and financiers of Trump and other Republican politicians.