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Russian President Vladimir Putin said on the 28th that American businessman Elon Musk is "a real genius." He also said he was in "close" contact with Musk about satellite technology.
Putin spoke about Musk at the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, referring to Russia's own satellite internet project, ``Rusvet.'' Lasvet is a business that provides internet connectivity through satellites.
"He's a genius. A real genius," Putin said of Musk, in a BBC translation. He added: "We are in close contact with multiple partners in the United States, including Mr. Musk."
Putin said it was important for Russia to communicate with Musk to ensure that Rasvet's satellites and the Starlink satellites of the US space company SpaceX, which Musk owns, "do not interfere with each other in orbit."
"We and our American partners are committed to this effort. Despite all the political challenges, we are working hard."
SpaceX did not respond to the BBC's request for comment.
According to SpaceX, Starlink has launched about 13,000 satellites to date. Meanwhile, only a few dozen Rasvet satellites are currently in orbit, according to online satellite tracking information.
On the 28th, the Russian Embassy in South Africa described Rasvet as ``Russia's version of Starlink,'' but acknowledged that ``Russia's efforts in this field are only the first step.''
"Russia maintains close contacts with the American side, including Mr. Musk, in the space field," the embassy said.
Russia and America getting closer
Mr. Putin's comments regarding Lasvet and Starlink came as the United States and Russia appear to be growing closer. Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine will enter its fifth year next February.
Ukraine relies on the Internet with Starlink to keep Russian forces at bay. However, in the middle of this month, the Ukrainian military suddenly found itself unable to connect to Starlink. Musk later admitted that SpaceX intentionally limited connectivity.
US President Donald Trump announced on the 9th of this month that he had reached an agreement with Russia to import Russian diesel fuel in order to lower fuel prices that have skyrocketed due to the US-Israel war with Iran.
Additionally, some planned sanctions against Russia have been suspended.
On the 21st, American Stephen Hubbard, who had been detained in Russia, was released. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff praised Putin as a "humanitarian" for agreeing to his release.
Mr. Musk was born in South Africa, then immigrated to Canada, and eventually settled in the United States. Musk's businesses, including electric carmaker Tesla, space developer SpaceX, and satellite communications service Starlink, are all based in the United States. Most of them are located in California and Texas.
Musk is a billionaire with a fortune that once reached $1 trillion, and has become one of the most powerful political backers and financiers of Trump and other politicians in the ruling party and the Republican Party.
(English article Elon Musk is a 'real genius', Putin says after satellite talks with SpaceX boss)
