Putin Calls Musk "a Genius, a True Genius" as Satellite Rivalry Comes Into View
Russian President Vladimir Putin called Elon Musk "a genius, a true genius," according to the Tass news agency. He made the remarks on October 28, 2026, while speaking at a summit with African leaders in Moscow.
The comments centred on satellite internet. Putin compared Starlink, the network of satellites operated by Musk's company SpaceX, with Russia's own effort to build a constellation, a group of satellites working together, called Rassvet. Starlink beams internet service from satellites in low Earth orbit, the band of space close to the planet. Starlink does not work in Russia.
Putin said Musk has more than 5,000 satellites in orbit, while Russia is only taking its first steps. Separately, the number of active SpaceX satellites is estimated at about 10,000. Russia's alternative system is estimated to have 26 working satellites.
Putin also said Russia is in close contact with American partners, including Musk, so that the two sides do not get in each other's way in orbit and can keep order there. Bloomberg reported the same position, describing Russia as coordinating with Musk on low-Earth-orbit satellite networks.
The Russian effort has a military dimension. Russia is developing its own satellite communications for its military to use against Ukraine. SpaceX also offers a military version of Starlink, called Starshield.
