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Putin Praises Musk as 'Genius' Amid Starlink Disruptions
· Confirmed
In Short: During the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Elon Musk, calling him a 'genius' and highlighting the close contact between Russia and Musk's American partners regarding satellite technology.
During the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Elon Musk, calling him a 'genius' and highlighting the close contact between Russia and Musk's American partners regarding satellite technology. Putin's remarks were reported by the BBC (United Kingdom) and Kyivpost (Ukraine).
The BBC (United Kingdom) reported that Putin emphasized the importance of communication between Russia and Musk to ensure that Rassvet, Russia's satellite internet project, and Starlink do not interfere with each other in orbit. Kyivpost (Ukraine) also noted Putin's praise for Musk, stating that he called Musk a 'genius' during the summit.
Both outlets agreed that Putin's comments came as Ukraine continues to rely on Starlink technology for military communications and drone operations against Russian forces. The BBC (United Kingdom) reported that Starlink has launched roughly 13,000 satellites, while Kyivpost (Ukraine) noted that disruptions to Starlink and Starshield services had complicated Ukrainian military operations earlier in October.
Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadayev informed Putin that Russia had already placed more than 30 satellites into orbit as part of its efforts to establish a competing network, according to Belaaz. Putin acknowledged the disparity between Russia's efforts and Musk's Starlink, but presented Russia's independent development as an achievement.
Putin's comments about Rassvet and Starlink were made as the US and Russia appear to be growing closer, even as it approaches five years since Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, according to the BBC (United Kingdom).
Ukrainian officials announced over the weekend that Starlink and Starshield services were operating normally again, according to Belaaz. Kyivpost (Ukraine) reported that disruptions earlier in October had complicated Ukrainian military operations.
Putin's praise for Musk seems to be an attempt to flatter the billionaire, highlighting concerns around Musk’s influence over communications technology and its implications on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to SSBCrack.
While Starlink services are unavailable in Russia, Moscow is advancing its satellite program, which currently boasts a modest 26 functioning satellites, according to SSBCrack.
Putin's remarks about Musk's genius and the close contact between Russia and Musk's American partners come as Ukraine faces controversy over access to SpaceX satellite communications used by its military, according to Kyivpost (Ukraine).
Putin's praise for Musk as a 'genius' highlights the ongoing technological advancements in satellite communications and the competition between Russia and the US in this field. The sources have not established the exact nature of the disruptions to Starlink and Starshield services or the extent of their impact on military operations.
Background
Genius is a characteristic of original and exceptional insight in the performance of some art or endeavor that surpasses expectations, sets new standards for the future, establishes better methods of operation, or remains outside the capabilities of competitors. Genius is associated with intellectual ability and creative productivity.
What's confirmed
- Elon Musk is a "real genius", Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday after revealing the two are in "close" contact about satellite technology. The remarks came during the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, during which Putin discussed Russia's own satellite internet project Rassvet, which provides internet connections to people from satellites. "He's a genius, a real genius," Putin said of Musk, according to a translation of his remarks by the BBC. "We are in close contact with our American partners, including Mr. Musk."
- Speaking during a briefing in Moscow, Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadayev informed Putin that Russia had already placed more than 30 satellites into orbit as part of its efforts to establish a competing network.
What's still developing
- The Russian Embassy in South Africa said on Wednesday Rassvet is "Russia's Starlink alternative" and "marks only the country's first steps in this field".
- "We and our American partners value this mutually, and despite all the political questions, we are working hard," he said.
- "Russia maintains close contacts with the US on space, including with Elon Musk," the embassy wrote.
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- “Just a second, I want to point out this is just our first step. Elon Musk is a genius, he’s just a real genius,” Putin said during the gathering, which included visiting African leaders.
- “Over 5,000 — while we are only taking our first steps. But we are proud that we have begun to do this, and started to do it independently,” Putin said, outlining the need for Russia to expand its program.
- Putin interrupted the presentation to emphasize how much work remained before Russia could approach its American competitor.
- The statement comes days after Kyiv restored its ability to operate commercial Starlink terminals and their militarized version, Starshield, at full speed following an unexpected restriction on the systems that began on Oct.
- However, Musk publicly accused Ukraine of violating terms of service by using commercial Starlink terminals to carry out offensive drone strikes, adding that this "loophole" has been removed.
- Initially, Musk denied any involvement in limiting internet access, later clarifying that he had only closed a loophole allowing military use of the civilian Starlink service.