Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed during the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow that he remains in close contact with Elon Musk regarding satellite technology.
Putin stated that Russia and American partners, including Musk, value this mutual contact and are working hard despite existing political questions.
The Russian leader described Musk as a "real genius".
Moscow aims to ensure that the Rassvet project and Starlink satellites do not "interfere with each other in orbit". The Russian Embassy in South Africa said that Rassvet serves as Russia's Starlink alternative and represents the country's initial steps in the field.
The same embassy confirmed that Russia maintains close ties with the United States on space matters, specifically with Musk. Starlink has launched approximately 13,000 satellites to date. Musk claimed that SpaceX intentionally caused connectivity problems for the Ukrainian military last week.
Elon Musk was born in Africa before moving to Canada and eventually settling in the United States. The American-based entrepreneur operates Tesla, SpaceX, and Starlink, with most business ventures based in Texas and California. Donald Trump waived specific sanctions against Russia that were scheduled to take effect.
Trump also struck a deal with Russia to import diesel to reduce gas prices.
A US citizen was released from Russian custody while Steve Witkoff described the move as "humanitarian".
Elon Musk is a "real genius", said Vladimir Putin.
Putin
