Putin Calls Elon Musk a ‘Genius’ as Russia Works to Compete With Starlink

Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised American billionaire Elon Musk, describing him as a genius and a brilliant mind while discussing Russia’s efforts to develop its own satellite internet network.

Putin made the remarks on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, during an exhibition held alongside the Russia–Africa summit in Moscow. His comments came as Russian officials presented progress on the country’s satellite communications project, which is intended to compete with Musk’s Starlink network.

During the presentation, Putin highlighted the scale of Musk’s satellite network and contrasted it with Russia’s early progress in developing a similar system.

Musk’s company, SpaceX, operates Starlink, a satellite-based internet service that provides connectivity to users in different parts of the world, including remote areas where traditional internet infrastructure may be limited.

Putin acknowledged the gap between the two countries’ satellite networks, noting that Russia was still in the early stages of building its own system. The Russian president also expressed pride in his country’s efforts to develop an independent satellite network, suggesting that Moscow wants to expand its capabilities rather than depend on foreign technology.

Russia is working on a satellite communications project known as Rassvet, designed to provide services similar to those offered by Starlink.

During the presentation, Russian Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadayev said the country had launched more than 30 satellites for the project. This remains a much smaller network than Starlink, which has thousands of operational satellites in low Earth orbit.

The difference highlights the scale of the challenge facing Russia as it seeks to build a satellite network capable of competing with an established global service.

Satellite internet systems rely on networks of satellites orbiting Earth to transmit data, making them useful for providing communications over large distances and in locations where ground-based infrastructure is difficult to establish.

Beyond praising Musk’s technological achievements, Putin said Russia maintains close contact with American partners, including the SpaceX founder, on matters involving satellite operations.

He stressed the importance of ensuring that satellite systems can operate without interfering with one another and that appropriate coordination is maintained in orbit.

The comments come despite ongoing political tensions between Russia and the United States, particularly over the war in Ukraine.

However, Putin’s statement about maintaining contact should not be interpreted as confirmation of a new formal partnership between Russia and Musk or SpaceX.

Musk’s satellite network has also become a significant part of discussions surrounding the war between Russia and Ukraine.

Ukraine has relied on Starlink and its military-focused counterpart, Starshield, for communications and certain battlefield operations. Reports of service restrictions affecting Ukrainian users earlier in October raised concerns about the network’s importance to military communications.

The dispute has drawn further attention to the influence that commercial satellite technology can have during international conflicts.

Russia’s efforts to develop Rassvet reflect its interest in building its own satellite communications capabilities rather than relying on systems controlled by foreign companies.

Putin’s praise highlights the technological lead that SpaceX has established in satellite-based internet services and the challenge other countries face in building comparable systems.

For Russia, expanding its satellite network could strengthen its communications infrastructure and support its ambitions in space technology. For the wider industry, the development reflects growing competition among countries seeking greater control over their satellite communications.

Although Putin’s comments have attracted attention because of the political tensions between Moscow and Washington, his central message focused on Musk’s achievements and the need for Russia to accelerate its own satellite programme.

As Russia continues developing Rassvet, the progress of its network will be closely watched by the global technology and telecommunications industries.

ScoopHub will continue to bring you the latest developments in global politics, business and technology.