Russia develops military satellite network as Putin hails Elon Musk’s genius amid plans for a Russian Starlink version
Putin praises Musk and Starlink
Putin called Musk a “true genius,” according to Tass, and noted that Starlink has more than 5,000 satellites in orbit. He said Russia was only at the beginning of its own satellite efforts.
Putin said Russia was in close contact with American partners, including Musk, and said coordination in orbit mattered. The article says Russia plans a military satellite communications system to use against Ukraine.
Starshield restrictions affected Ukraine
Starshield, the military version of Starlink, was restricted for about 10 days beginning one night in mid-October. The restriction prevented Ukraine from carrying out medium drone attacks and hindered some air defences against drones.
Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said last week that Starlink and Starshield operations had been restored, with speeds back where they needed to be. Putin’s praise of Musk came amid questions about the influence his control of the technology could have on the US government and Ukraine’s war effort.
Ukraine seeks talks and support
Zelenskyy said he hoped proposed peace talks involving Ukraine, Russia and the US would be held from 6 to 10 November in Abu Dhabi, shortly after the midterms. He also said he had spoken with Andy Burnham, whom the article identifies as the UK prime minister.
John Healey, identified as the UK chancellor, said Britain would provide £10bn in additional financing over three years and £500m immediately for air-defence systems. The article’s account also quotes Healey saying that “the prime minister and I” called Zelenskyy, leaving its descriptions of the UK officials unclear. Kyiv has faced repeated Russian attacks this autumn as Russian forces have failed to advance on the eastern frontlines, the article says.
Key points
- Putin praised Musk as Russia develops satellite communications for military use against Ukraine.
- A roughly 10-day Starshield restriction disrupted Ukrainian drone attacks and some air defences.
- Zelenskyy said Starlink and Starshield service had been restored.
- Britain pledged £10bn over three years and £500m immediately for Ukrainian air defence.