Starlink satellites in orbit. Image: SpaceX
Russian President Vladimir Putin called Elon Musk a real genius on Wednesday in Moscow, while admitting Russia’s own satellite internet network is only taking its first steps next to Starlink.
Putin made the remarks while touring an exhibition of advanced Russian technology with African leaders at the Russia-Africa summit, according to the Kremlin and Reuters. The comments put a spotlight on how far Starlink’s satellite fleet leads the field.
At the stop, Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadayev presented Rassvet, the network Russia is building as its answer to Starlink. He said it has a little more than 30 satellites in orbit so far.
Putin then stepped in to point out the gap. He said Musk has more than 5,000 satellites up, while Russia is just getting started, and added that he’s proud Russia is doing it on its own.
He also said Moscow stays in close contact with its American partners, Musk included, because satellites in orbit need to stay out of each other’s way and keep a level of order.
Orbital traffic is already a daily job for the largest constellation in space. Starlink satellites made about 300,000 collision-avoidance moves in 2025, and SpaceX later opened a free tool so other operators can share maneuver data.
Can Rassvet ever close the gap with Starlink, or is Russia playing a game that’s already over?
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