Putin calls Elon Musk a 'genius' as Russia builds its own Starlink rival

Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised US tech billionaire Elon Musk as a “genius” for deploying thousands of satellites into orbit, as Moscow works to develop its own satellite internet network.

During an exhibition in Moscow on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa summit, Putin was told that Musk had more than 5,000 satellites in orbit.

“Elon Musk is a genius, truly a genius,” Putin said, adding that Russia was proud to have started developing its own system.

Putin also said Moscow was in close contact with American partners, including Musk, despite political tensions. “Because in orbit, it is very important not to get in each other's way and to maintain a certain level of discipline and order,” he said.

Russia is seeking to build its own alternative to Starlink, Musk’s satellite internet service.