Key facts
- Russia is developing its own satellite internet system to rival Starlink.
- Putin called Musk a 'genius' and noted ongoing space cooperation with the U.S.
- Ukraine's Starlink and Starshield services were restored to full speed on Oct. 24 after a two-week restriction.
- Musk accused Ukraine of violating terms of service by using Starlink for offensive drone strikes.
- Ukraine denied using Starlink for strikes on Russian territory.
Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Elon Musk as a "genius" on Oct. 28, while discussing Russia's efforts to develop its own satellite internet system. Putin's remarks came less than a week after Ukraine restored full operations of Starlink and Starshield terminals following an unexpected restriction that had hampered drone operations.
Putin stated that Moscow maintains contact with "U.S. partners, including Mr. Musk" on space matters, despite political tensions. Ukraine had reported that the speed of Starshield terminals was temporarily capped, impacting its ability to intercept Russian drones. Musk had publicly accused Ukraine of violating service terms by using commercial Starlink terminals for offensive strikes, a claim Ukraine denied, stating the systems were used only within Ukrainian territory.