# Musk is a genius, Putin says, discussing Rassvet and Akkuyu proposals

https://mins.news/en/item/119451

- TASS, 2026-10-28 16:31 UTC
- Politics
- Original: https://tass.com/politics/2209699

> Putin called entrepreneur, inventor and Starlink CEO Elon Musk a genius and said Russia is in contact with the United States on space issues, particularly with Musk. He said Russia’s Rassvet system is at an early stage and needs the required number of satellites launched. Putin also welcomed Turkish companies’ interest in joining the Akkuyu nuclear plant project by buying shares, and discussed digital sovereignty, social media oversight and Russian nuclear technology.

## Related coverage

- [Putin calls Musk a ‘genius’ as Russia develops its own Starlink rival](https://mins.news/en/video/120415) — euronews, 2026-10-29
- [Putin calls Musk a ‘real genius’ after satellite talks with SpaceX chief](https://mins.news/en/item/120343) — BBC News, 2026-10-28
- [Putin praises Musk’s ‘genius’ as Russia plans its own Starlink](https://mins.news/en/item/119626) — The Guardian, 2026-10-28
