Putin hails Musk’s genius, talks of Akkuyu nuclear plant proposals

What the report says

Russian President Vladimir Putin used remarks at an exhibition on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa summit in Moscow to praise Elon Musk as a “genius” and say Russia is in contact with the Starlink chief, according to The Independent Uganda’s publication of a TASS report. The comments came as Putin discussed Russia’s own satellite internet project, Rassvet, which he said is still at an early stage and will need more satellites in orbit before it can rival existing systems.

The report said Putin also spoke broadly about digital sovereignty, arguing that modern states need control over key information technologies and warning that dependence on foreign systems weakens national economies. He tied those remarks to Russia’s efforts in space and digital infrastructure, while presenting the country as a competitor in several technology and industrial sectors.

On nuclear power, Putin said Russia welcomes interest from Turkish companies in taking part in the Akkuyu nuclear plant project by buying shares. Akkuyu is a major Russian-backed nuclear power station under construction in Turkey; more generally, the project has been a focal point for Russian-Turkish energy cooperation. The article also noted Putin’s wider comments on taxation, artificial intelligence and tourism, but the central developments were his comments on Musk, Russia’s satellite program and the Akkuyu proposal.