Putin: Russia in ‘close contact’ with ‘genius’ Musk over satellite networks
There's something genuinely odd about a Russian president calling an American tech mogul a genius while quietly admitting they're in talks. Putin doesn't hand out compliments casually, and Musk doesn't exactly need Moscow's approval. But the practical reality is that satellite internet is a strategic asset now, and Russia has struggled to match Starlink's reach, especially in contested regions. If Russia is reaching out, it's probably because the gap is real.
I'd want to know what "close contact" actually means here. A few phone calls? Technical consultations? The sanctions picture makes any formal partnership legally messy, so I suspect this is more about informal signaling than a signed deal. Still, it's a reminder that technology doesn't respect political lines. Musk has positioned himself as a global operator, and that cuts both ways. Whether this contact is a genuine collaboration or just Putin testing a narrative, it's worth watching. The African angle matters too, since both sides are courting the same continent for influence.