The Russian leader praised Elon Musk as a true genius after coordinating efforts to prevent interference between Russia's Rassvet internet satellites and the U.S. Starlink system, signaling a good relationship between them.
Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, praised Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of SpaceX, calling him a "true genius." He revealed that both sides have been closely coordinating on satellite technology amid Russia's efforts to develop its own satellite internet system as an alternative to Starlink.
Putin made these remarks during the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow last Wednesday, discussing the Rassvet project, Russia's satellite internet system aimed at providing internet connectivity to the public.
Putin referred to Musk as a true genius and noted that Russia maintains close contact with American partners, including Musk himself.
Putin added that this coordination is important to ensure that the satellites of the Rassvet and Starlink projects do not interfere with each other while orbiting in space. He confirmed that both parties value this cooperation despite their political differences.
Starlink is SpaceX's satellite internet service. According to company data, about 13,000 satellites have been launched into orbit, while tracking websites show that only a few dozen Rassvet satellites are currently in orbit.
The Russian Embassy in South Africa stated on Wednesday that Rassvet is Russia's alternative to Starlink and only the first step in the country's development of this technology. It emphasized that Russia continues close contact with the U.S. on space issues, including with Musk.
This development comes at a time when relations between the U.S. and Russia appear to be warming despite the approaching fifth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Previously, Ukraine relied on the Starlink network to maintain communications and support military operations against Russian forces.
However, last week, the Ukrainian military experienced a sudden disruption of Starlink connectivity, with Musk admitting that SpaceX deliberately took actions that affected the connection.
Additionally, U.S. President Donald Trump revealed earlier this month that he reached an agreement with Russia to import diesel fuel, aiming to reduce fuel prices rising from the conflict between the U.S. and Iran, before exempting some upcoming sanctions on Russia.
Shortly after, an American citizen was released from Russian custody. Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special representative, praised Putin as a humanitarian figure.
Musk was born in South Africa before moving to Canada and then settling in the U.S. His major businesses—Tesla, SpaceX, and Starlink—operate primarily in the U.S., with main bases in California and Texas.
The billionaire is also a significant political supporter and donor to Trump, as well as to several U.S. Republican politicians.
. Source:BBC
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