Putin calls Musk a 'real genius' after talks
The gist
Putin called Elon Musk a "real genius" and said Russia is in close contact with him on satellites.
Russia is building its own Starlink alternative while relying on Musk's constellation.
How it unfolded
- Oct 28, 2026At the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, Putin called Musk a "real genius" and said Russia is in close contact with American partners, including Musk, on satellite technology.
- Oct 28, 2026Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadayev said Russia had launched more than 30 satellites as it builds its own Starlink equivalent.
- Oct 28, 2026Putin said Musk has more than 5,000 low-orbit satellites in orbit while Russia is "only taking the first steps."