New Delhi, Oct. 29 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has called Elon Musk a "real genius" as Russia develops its own satellite internet network, Rassvet, even as the SpaceX boss imposes restrictions on Starlink system that in Ukraine, potentially disrupting military operations.

Starlink, operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX, has become critical to Ukraine's battlefield communications, drone operations and air defences since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

The restrictions highlighted Ukraine's dependence on a privately controlled satellite network and raised questions about Musk's influence over access to technology used in the war.

Putin made the remarks while discussing Russia's efforts to establish a domestic a...