Putin praises Musk's 'genius' as Russia builds Starlink rival

· Tech · Russia

President Vladimir Putin praised Elon Musk as a 'real genius' and said Russia is in close contact with the SpaceX controlling shareholder, as Moscow develops its own satellite internet system for military use against Ukraine. Putin acknowledged Russia's early progress in building a Starlink-like network. SpaceX's Starlink has been used by Ukraine in the war with Russia, making satellite communications a central battlefield capability. The remarks signal Moscow's intent to close a connectivity gap that has favored Kyiv.

Why it matters：Satellite communications have become a decisive military asset, and Russia's efforts to replicate Starlink could alter the balance on the Ukrainian battlefield.

Key points

  • Putin said Russia is in close contact with Starlink's controlling shareholder.
  • Moscow is developing the system for military use against Ukraine.
  • Ukraine has relied on Starlink for battlefield communications.

Sources (original reporting)

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