Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Russia is in close contact with the United States on space matters, including with SpaceX chief Elon Musk. He made the statement at the Russia–Africa summit, RBC reported, citing his remarks.
Putin also claims that work on a Russian equivalent of the Starlink satellite communications system has already been completed. Ukraine had previously warned about this Russian development and also identified which companies are involved.
“We are in close contact with our American partners, including Mr Musk. Because in orbit it is important not to interfere with one another,” the Kremlin leader said.
- Recently, Starlink and a separate military branch, Starshield, were restricted for Ukraine. Ukraine used the connection to shoot down Russian drones, strike occupiers on its territory, and deliver food and water to defenders at their positions. Musk accused Ukraine of using Starlink to strike Russia. The President of Ukraine stressed that attacks were carried out only on Ukrainian territory.
- Restrictions on Starlink usage speeds began on 14 October. In some units, the speed fell to 160 km/h; in others, as low as 70 km/h.
- Ukraine conducted an experiment and took Starlink terminals to an EU country, where they tested them at speeds of 180 kilometres per hour and above. There, the system worked; in Ukraine, it did not.
- On 24 October, the usage speed was restored.