Elon Musk is a 'real genius', Putin says after satellite talks with SpaceX boss

Vladimir Putin declared Elon Musk a "real genius" during a recent summit in Moscow.

The Russian President revealed on Wednesday that he and Musk maintain "close" communication regarding satellite technology. These remarks surfaced while Putin was discussing Russia's domestic satellite internet initiative, Rassvet, which delivers internet access via satellites.

Putin stated, "He's a genius, a real genius," referencing Musk, according to a BBC translation of his comments. Furthermore, he noted, "We are in close contact with our American partners, including Mr. Musk."

Putin emphasized the importance of this dialogue, adding that contact with Musk helps ensure that Rassvet and Starlink satellites "do not interfere with each other in orbit." He asserted, "We and our American partners value this mutually, and despite all the political questions, we are working hard."

Starlink, a service under Musk's SpaceX, has deployed approximately 13,000 satellites. In contrast, online trackers show only a small handful of Rassvet satellites currently operating in orbit.

The Russian Embassy in South Africa commented on Wednesday that Rassvet serves as "Russia's Starlink alternative" and represents "only the country's first steps in this field." The embassy also noted, "Russia maintains close contacts with the US on space, including with Elon Musk."

These comments occur as relations between the US and Russia show signs of warming, even as five years approach since Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine had depended on Starlink for support against Russian forces, though its military recently experienced Starlink connectivity issues, which Musk acknowledged SpaceX caused intentionally.

Other recent developments include Donald Trump striking a diesel import deal with Russia to curb soaring gas costs amid the US-Iran conflict, followed by him lifting certain sanctions against Russia. A US citizen was subsequently freed from Russian custody, with US envoy Steve Witkoff calling Putin a "humanitarian."