Putin praises Musk, cites contact over Russia's Rassvet satellite network
Vladimir Putin called Elon Musk 'a genius' at the Russia-Africa Summit and said the two are in 'close contact' regarding Rassvet, Russia's planned rival to Starlink. Putin noted Musk already has over 5,000 satellites in orbit while Russia is just beginning its own effort.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Putin's comments come amid reports that Ukrainian drones briefly lost Starlink connectivity this month, with the Wall Street Journal attributing the restriction to Musk himself, though other accounts point to the White House. Any direct Musk-Putin dialogue could raise questions about SpaceX's role in a conflict where Ukrainian forces depend heavily on Starlink, especially after Musk warned that cutting the service would cause Ukraine's front line to 'collapse immediately'.
- Putin says he and Musk are in close contact over Rassvet, Russia's Starlink competitor.
- Ukrainian drones reportedly lost Starlink connectivity for about 10 days this month.
- Musk says Ukraine violated Starlink's terms by using it for offensive drone strikes.
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Published there as: “Elon Musk is ‘truly a genius,’ says Vladimir Putin”
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