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Putin hails Elon Musk as a 'real genius' after Starlink curbs hit Ukraine's drone operations against Russian forces

From the Newshound archive · first published 28 October 2026 · last updated 29 October 2026.

Elon Musk, pictured with Donald Trump, US President, as Russia works to close the military gap with Starlink, which has proved significant in the war in Ukraine.
Elon Musk, pictured with Donald Trump, US President, as Russia works to close the military gap with Starlink, which has proved significant in the war in Ukraine.

Putin made the remarks on Wednesday during a Digital Development Ministry briefing on Russia's fledgling Rassvet satellite internet programme, which has launched just 30 satellites against Starlink's thousands. He admitted Moscow was only at "the first step" of building a rival network, even as restrictions on Starlink disrupted Ukrainian drone and air-defence operations in October.

Russia's Rassvet network has set 2027 as its target launch date, leaving it far behind SpaceX's established global constellation.

Putin said Russia is in 'close contact' with Musk over orbital coordination, stressing the need to 'not get in each other's way.'

Musk defended the Starlink curbs, saying SpaceX closed a 'loophole' allowing Ukraine to use its civilian network for offensive drone strikes.

MoreThe TelegraphPutin hails Musk as ‘real genius’ after Starlink slowdownYahoo News UKPutin Calls Musk a Genius, Reveals Close Satellite ContactsOutlook IndiaPutin Calls Elon Musk A ‘Real Genius’ As Russia Plays Catch-Up On Starlink - Outlook IndiaLivemintAs Starlink curbs rattle Ukraine, Putin calls Elon Musk a ‘real genius’ as Russia plans rival network - Livemint
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