Putin calls Elon Musk a 'genius' as Russia builds its own Starlink rival

Loading the video World News Video. Putin calls Elon Musk a 'genius' as Russia builds its own Starlink rival Copy/paste the link below: Copy/paste the article video embed link below: Updated: 29 October 2026 - 9:34 GMT+1 Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised US tech billionaire Elon Musk as a “genius” for deploying thousands of satellites into orbit, as Moscow works to develop its own satellite internet network. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT During an exhibition in Moscow on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa summit, Putin was told that Musk had more than 5,000 satellites in orbit. “Elon Musk is a genius, truly a genius,” Putin said, adding that Russia was proud to have started developing its own system. Putin also said Moscow was in close contact with American partners, including Musk, despite political tensions. “Because in orbit, it is very important not to get in each other's way and to maintain a certain level of discipline and order,” he said. Russia is seeking to build its own alternative to Starlink, Musk’s satellite internet service. Elon Musk Vladimir Putin Russia Space Top stories Now playing Next Putin calls Elon Musk a 'genius' as Russia builds its own Starlink rival Now playing Next 60,000 runners, two million spectators: New York gears up for marathon Now playing Next Bahamas: King Charles III dances with locals during Caribbean visit Now playing Next Latest news bulletin | October 29th, 2026 – Morning Now playing Next Americans 'should be very prepared' for Trump to overturn election Now playing Next Second high-speed rail disaster in nine months leaves Spain in grief Now playing Next Sánchez pledges tough line on safety failures after Toledo train crash Now playing Next High-speed train crash in Spain kills at least 68, over 100 injured Now playing Next Israel: Netanyahu bloc leads with more than half of votes counted Now playing Next Spain: First footage reveals wreckage of deadly high-speed train crash Now playing Next Eurovision in crisis: Netherlands make U-turn and pull out of Eurovision 2027 Now playing Next 'The map has shifted' says top Democratic strategist on US midterms Now playing Next Euronews Culture's Film of the Week: 'Wicker' – 50 Shades Of Hay? Now playing Next Europe’s oil bill: EU pays €10bn more per month than in 2025 Now playing Next Spain: Madrid mourns train crash victims as rescuers work through the night Now playing Next Latest news bulletin | October 28th, 2026 – Evening ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Brazil Flavio Bolsonaro arrives in Miami after fleeing Brazil World News South Africa tests 7.6-kilometre freight train in bid to break world record World News What do Hispanic voters think about the US midterms? Israel Israel election: Netanyahu bloc leads with more than half of votes counted but short of majority Grand Voyager From Baku’s old city to mud volcanoes: discovering Azerbaijan’s wonders No Comment Spain: Rescuers search mangled train wreckage near Toledo Markets European gas price crosses €100 for first time since 2022 as EU warns of new crisis Modern Nomads Discovering the birthplace of apples in Kazakhstan’s wild forests EU News EU removes mention of ‘associate membership’ from Canada declaration Space Satellites the size of drinks cans: Young engineers take on a space challenge in Uzbekistan Europe News Germany and Japan strengthen economic ties as global tensions rise Euronews Tech Talks Gene therapy beyond rare diseases with Alessandra Biffi | Euronews Tech Talks ADVERTISEMENT No Comment Spain: First footage reveals wreckage of deadly high-speed train crash Europe News First aerial images show scene of deadly train crash in Toledo, Spain Make it Work Cross-border network helps EU workers abroad claim wages and benefits Europe News High-speed train crash in Spain kills at least 68, injures more than 100 Culture news 'Dead Poets Society' sells out eight consecutive months at Teatro da Trindade Europe Today Mao meme comments won't 'cause serious economic problems' for Mbappé, says expert Europe News French Senate backs bill making protesters pay up to €10,000 for unrest damage Europe Today Ex-Israel government spokesperson: 'Extraordinary comeback' by Netanyahu ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT