Putin Says He Is in Close Contact With Elon Musk Over Russia’s Starlink Rival
Vladimir Putin says Russia is in close contact with Elon Musk over Rassvet as Ukraine weighs renewed risks to vital Starlink and Starshield access again.
Summary
In remarks disclosed October 29, 2026, Vladimir Putin told Wednesday’s Russia-Africa Summit that he and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk are in close contact over Rassvet, Russia’s answer to Starlink. Calling Musk “truly a genius,” Putin said Musk has more than 5,000 satellites in orbit while Russia is taking its first steps with Rassvet.
The contact raises concerns for Ukraine, which has resisted Russia’s invasion since 2022 and relies on Starshield, Starlink’s military version. Musk has voiced frustration with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Ukrainian officials feared losing access after the United States eased sanctions on Russia earlier in October. Ukrainian drones suffered frequent connectivity losses for about 10 days that month. Accounts conflict over whether Musk ordered SpaceX to restrict Starlink or the White House directed the move. Musk said on X that Ukraine violated Starlink’s terms by using it for offensive drone strikes “to kill people.” Service appears to have returned to normal, but Musk also said Ukraine’s front line would collapse immediately without Starlink, while insisting the statement was not a threat.
Positives
- Starlink service in Ukraine appears to have returned to normal after about 10 days of frequent drone connectivity losses.
- Putin said Musk already has more than 5,000 satellites in orbit, demonstrating Starlink’s extensive scale.
- Russia has begun its first steps with Rassvet, a planned domestic alternative to Starlink.
Risks & concerns
- Ukrainian drones suffered frequent connectivity losses for about 10 days in October 2026.
- Ukrainian officials feared losing Starshield after the United States eased sanctions on Russia earlier in October.
- Accounts conflict over whether Musk or the White House ordered SpaceX to restrict Ukraine’s Starlink access.
- Musk accused Ukraine of violating Starlink terms through offensive drone strikes intended to kill people.
- Musk said Ukraine’s front line would collapse immediately if Starlink were switched off.
- Putin’s contact with Musk intensifies uncertainty for Ukraine as it fights Russia’s invasion, which began in 2022.