Putin says Russia in 'close contact' with Musk on satellite networks

Russian President Vladimir Putin called SpaceX CEO Elon Musk a "genius" on Wednesday and said Russia is in "close contact" with him as Moscow develops its rival satellite internet network, Rassvet. Putin made the remarks during a summit with African leaders in Moscow, where his digital development minister briefed him on the system, which Russia aims to use against Ukraine. Russia has launched over 30 satellites, far fewer than SpaceX's nearly 10,000, and Putin stressed the need for orbital coordination with American partners. The comments follow Ukraine's confirmation that its Starlink and Starshield access was restored after nearly two weeks of disruptions that hampered its military operations, forcing cancellations and complicating drone interceptions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said speeds had returned to sufficient levels for frontline logistics and defense.