# Putin praises Musk’s ‘genius’ as Russia plans its own Starlink

https://mins.news/en/item/119626

- The Guardian, 2026-10-28 18:32 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/oct/28/vladimir-putin-elon-musk-genius-russia-starlink

> Vladimir Putin praised Elon Musk and said he was in contact with the Starlink controlling shareholder as Russia develops its own satellite communications constellation, Rassvet, for military use against Ukraine. Speaking at a Moscow summit with African leaders, Putin compared it with SpaceX’s network.

## Related coverage

- [Putin calls Musk a ‘genius’ as Russia develops Starlink rival](https://mins.news/en/video/119829) — Global News, 2026-10-28
- [Putin calls Musk a ‘real genius’ after satellite talks with SpaceX chief](https://mins.news/en/item/120343) — BBC News, 2026-10-28
- [Musk is a genius, Putin says, discussing Rassvet and Akkuyu proposals](https://mins.news/en/item/119451) — TASS, 2026-10-28
