Russian President Vladimir Putin has described billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk as a “real genius”, revealing that Russia maintains close contact with the SpaceX founder over satellite technology.
Putin made the remarks on Wednesday during the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, where he discussed Russia’s satellite internet project, Rassvet, which aims to provide internet connectivity through satellites.
“He’s a genius, a real genius,” Putin said of Musk, according to a translation of his remarks.
“We are in close contact with our American partners, including Mr. Musk,” he added.
Putin said maintaining contact with Musk was important to ensure that Russia’s Rassvet satellites and SpaceX’s Starlink satellites do not interfere with one another in orbit.
“We and our American partners value this mutually, and despite all the political questions, we are working hard,” he said.
Starlink, operated by Musk’s SpaceX, has launched approximately 13,000 satellites, according to the company. In comparison, online satellite trackers indicate that only a few dozen Rassvet satellites are currently in orbit.
The Russian Embassy in South Africa described Rassvet as Russia’s alternative to Starlink, saying the project represents the country’s initial steps in the satellite internet sector.
“Russia maintains close contacts with the US on space, including with Elon Musk,” the embassy said in a statement.
Putin’s comments come amid developments suggesting closer engagement between Moscow and Washington, nearly five years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Ukraine has relied on Starlink’s satellite internet service to support communications during the war. However, Ukrainian forces experienced connectivity problems last week, which Musk acknowledged were caused by deliberate action by SpaceX.
Separately, US President Donald Trump said earlier this month that he had reached an agreement with Russia to import diesel in an effort to reduce fuel prices, which had risen sharply amid the US war with Iran. Trump also waived certain sanctions against Russia that were due to take effect.
Shortly afterwards, a US citizen was released from Russian custody, with US envoy Steve Witkoff describing Putin as a “humanitarian”.
Musk, who was born in South Africa before moving to Canada and later settling in the United States, leads several American-based business ventures, including Tesla and SpaceX, which operates Starlink.
The billionaire has also been a prominent political ally and financial supporter of Trump and other Republican politicians.
Boluwatife Enome
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