Putin says he is in "close contact" with Musk over Russia's Starlink rival, Rassvet

Vladimir Putin said on 29 October 2026 that he and Elon Musk are in "close contact" about Rassvet, Russia's satellite internet project and answer to Starlink. At the Russia-Africa Summit, Putin said: "Elon Musk is a genius, truly a genius." He said Musk already has more than 5,000 satellites in orbit, while Russia is taking its first steps.