Putin’s October 28 remarks at the Russia-Africa Summit revealed ongoing “close contact” with Musk on low-Earth orbit satellite coordination, praising the SpaceX founder as a “real genius” while discussing Russia’s emerging Rassvet constellation and the need to prevent interference with Starlink’s thousands of active satellites. These statements, made days after reported Starlink/Starshield restrictions affecting Ukrainian drone operations, highlight practical satellite network management amid geopolitical tensions. Trader sentiment reflects this direct engagement between Musk’s companies and Russian officials, alongside Musk’s shifting Ukraine stance and expected U.S.-brokered peace talks next month, which could create further opportunities for high-level discussions on technology access and orbital operations.