Putin calls Musk genius as Russia expands Rassvet satellite network

Russian President Vladimir Putin labeled SpaceX chief Elon Musk a genius during a summit in Moscow on Wednesday, acknowledging a gap in satellite capability between the two nations. The remarks came as Russia detailed the status of its own satellite internet project, Rassvet, which aims to compete with Starlink.

Putin stated that Musk has already placed more than 5,000 satellites in orbit, while Russia is still taking initial steps. He emphasized that the two leaders maintain close contact regarding the development of the Russian alternative. The comments were made at the Russia Africa Summit, where Putin discussed the technical progress of the new constellation.

The Rassvet network is built by the private aerospace firm Bureau 1440. According to satellite tracker Orbital Radar, 31 satellites are currently in orbit, representing the successful launch of 32 units since March of this year. Of those in space, 26 are functioning in their designated working orbit at an altitude of approximately 509 kilometers.

Putin highlighted the importance of coordination in low Earth orbit, noting that both Russian and American partners value discipline and mutual understanding to prevent interference. He said the two sides continue to work closely despite political tensions. SpaceX did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the Russian leader’s praise.

Starlink currently operates more than 11,000 satellites, providing high-speed internet access to 174 countries. The service recently faced scrutiny after Ukraine accused SpaceX of imposing restrictions that slowed military satellite internet access. Ukrainian officials said the limitations affected the Starshield service, causing drones and moving terminals to lose connectivity above speeds of roughly 100 miles per hour.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attributed disruptions to Ukraine’s air defense capabilities to these service restrictions during Russian air attacks. Musk stated that Starshield is controlled by the U.S. government and the president, while other reports indicated the restriction originated with Musk. U.S. President Donald Trump denied ordering the limit, and the White House did not confirm the source of the directive.

Putin’s comments arrived as the Russia Ukraine war approaches its fifth anniversary. Early Thursday, regional governor Oleksandr Ganzha reported that 13 people were killed and 10 injured in a Russian jet powered drone attack on a railway station in Dnipro. In Kharkiv, Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported damage to an educational institution from the same wave of strikes, while Russia’s Ministry of Defense said it intercepted 1,214 Ukrainian fixed wing unmanned aerial vehicles overnight.

Peace talks brokered by the United States may occur next month. Zelenskyy said preparations are underway for a trilateral meeting in Abu Dhabi by November 10. Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov noted that specific dates depend on factors including the situation in the Middle East and the battlefield, stating that current conditions do not allow for immediate talks.