Putin calls Musk a genius as Russia builds its own satellite network

Vladimir Putin is pushing for a Russian satellite network to rival Elon Musk's Starlink while praising the American billionaire's technical prowess. The Russian president spoke at a summit with African leaders in Moscow on Tuesday. He described Musk as a true genius. This comes as Moscow works to build its own communications system for use in the war against Ukraine.

SpaceX currently operates an estimated 10,000 active satellites. Putin acknowledged that Russia is still in the early stages of its own project. The Russian system is called Rassvet. It currently has about 26 working satellites in orbit. This number is far lower than the 5,000 satellites Putin cited in his remarks.

The comments follow a recent disruption in internet services for Ukraine. A military version of Starlink, known as Starshield, was restricted for about ten days in late October. This limitation prevented Ukrainian forces from launching medium-range drone attacks. It also hampered some anti-drone air defense systems. Musk initially denied ordering a throttle on the connection. He later said he closed a loophole where military units used the civilian network.

Putin said Russia maintains close contact with American partners, including Musk. He emphasized the need for discipline and order in orbit to avoid collisions. Starlink does not function inside Russia. Its use by Russian forces inside Ukraine was restricted earlier this year. Moscow is developing its alternative system to reduce reliance on foreign technology.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Wednesday that Starlink and Starshield operations have been restored. He stated that data speeds are now back to required levels. The Ukrainian president is hoping for trilateral peace talks involving the US, Russia, and Ukraine. These talks are proposed for November 6 through November 10 in Abu Dhabi. This timing is shortly after the US midterm elections scheduled for next Tuesday.

Zelenskyy spoke with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham about new financial commitments. Britain will provide 10 billion pounds in extra financing for Ukraine over the next three years. An immediate 500 million pounds is allocated for air defense systems. UK Chancellor John Healey announced the funding in the national budget. He said the two leaders called Zelenskyy to share the news. The Ukrainian president told them the timing was strong and timely.

The Dutch government also pledged support. It will provide 500 million euros in military aid for the winter. An additional 1.2 billion euros in non-military aid will help fund urgent repairs to utilities and manufacturing. Kyiv has faced heavy attacks from Moscow this autumn. Zelenskyy said Russia launched more than 100 ballistic missiles at Kyiv and surrounding areas since mid-October. These strikes targeted power plants and other key infrastructure.

Trump has also engaged with Putin recently. The US president agreed to buy diesel from Moscow in early October. This move aimed to lower oil prices before US voters head to the polls. Zelenskyy expects the American side to be ready with answers after the elections. The diplomatic situation remains tight as the war enters what is expected to be a difficult winter.