Putin Called Elon Musk a ‘True Genius’ Even Though Starlink Has Helped Ukraine Fight Russia

News

By Sari Moon

Updated 32 minutes ago, October 29, 2026

Vladimir Putin called Elon Musk a “true genius” as he discussed Russia’s satellite ambitions at a summit with African leaders in Moscow.

Russia’s Rassvet network has about 26 operational satellites, compared with an estimated 10,000 active satellites serving SpaceX’s Starlink system.

The praise came despite Starlink’s role in supporting Ukrainian troops’ communications and drone operations during Russia’s war in Ukraine. Starshield, SpaceX’s military-focused service, has also supported Ukraine’s defense efforts.

Putin pointed to Starlink’s scale, saying Musk had more than 5,000 satellites in orbit, a figure well below the current estimate. Starlink delivers high-speed internet through satellites in low Earth orbit, while Russia’s planned network is intended for both military and civilian use.

A private company’s decisions can affect wartime communications, as the disruption and subsequent resumption of service illustrated. The loophole allowing Ukraine’s military to access civilian Starlink connections had been closed by SpaceX, Musk recently said.

Starlink isn’t available in Russia, and Russian troops’ access in occupied Ukrainian territory has been restricted. Putin nevertheless said Russia was communicating with Musk and other American partners about coordinating operations in orbit.

“We are in close contact with our American partners – including Mr Musk – because it is very important, in orbit, not to get in each other’s way and to maintain a certain level of discipline and order,” Putin said.

With winter approaching, renewed Russian strikes were hitting Ukraine’s infrastructure and energy supplies when he made his comments. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been seeking more Western military assistance, including additional funding from the UK and Netherlands.

Want more Thought Catalog? Follow us on Facebook or head to our website.