Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Elon Musk’s ingenuity as Moscow advances plans to develop its own satellite communication network amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Speaking at a summit with African leaders in Moscow, Putin drew comparisons between Musk’s Starlink system, operated by SpaceX, and Russia’s emerging Rassvet satellite constellation.
“Elon Musk is a genius, a true genius,” Putin said, according to the Russian Tass news agency. He noted that Musk’s constellation includes more than 5,000 satellites in orbit, while Russia is only beginning to establish its network. Industry estimates suggest SpaceX currently operates around 10,000 active satellites providing high-speed internet coverage globally.
Putin also stated that Russian authorities maintain direct communication with Musk and his team to coordinate satellite operations and avoid conflicts 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,” he said.
Starlink services have played a significant role in Ukraine’s military communications, but the system recently became the subject of controversy. In mid-October, Starlink’s military extension, known as Starshield, was unexpectedly restricted, disrupting Ukrainian drone operations and some anti-drone defenses. Elon Musk initially denied ordering the throttling but later acknowledged closing a loophole that allowed military use of the civilian Starlink network.
Starlink is currently unavailable inside Russia and its use within Ukrainian territory controlled by Russia has also been limited. Meanwhile, Moscow continues to develop the Rassvet system, which reportedly has about 26 operational satellites but remains far smaller in scale and capacity compared to Starlink.
Following approximately ten days of restricted service, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Starlink and Starshield operations have been restored, with internet speeds returning to necessary levels. However, analysts and officials suggest that the issue may not be permanently resolved, especially as geopolitical dynamics evolve ahead of the upcoming U.S. midterm elections.
Relations between Zelenskyy and former U.S. President Donald Trump remain tense. Notably, Trump recently engaged in discussions with Putin and agreed to purchase Russian diesel, a move aimed at lowering fuel prices before American voters go to the polls.
In parallel diplomatic developments, Zelenskyy expressed hope for trilateral peace talks involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States to be held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, between November 6 and 10, shortly after the midterms. He indicated that the U.S. side is expected to respond post-election.
Zelenskyy also revealed recent cooperation with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, announcing a significant financial aid package from the United Kingdom. Britain pledged £10 billion in support over three years for Ukraine, including an immediate £500 million allocation for air defense systems. UK Chancellor John Healey confirmed the aid as part of the government’s budget, describing the move as a critical and timely commitment.
The Netherlands also committed €500 million in military assistance for the winter season, along with €1.2 billion in non-military funds to help repair Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and manufacturing sector, which have sustained repeated damage amid intensified Russian missile attacks.
Since mid-October, Kyiv and surrounding areas have faced more than 100 ballistic missile strikes attributed to Russian forces. The attacks have targeted power plants and other crucial facilities, with the apparent aim of sparking a humanitarian crisis in Ukraine’s capital during the approaching winter months.