Russian President Vladimir Putin has spoken highly of tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, describing him as an “outstanding person.” This comment comes after the controversy surrounding Musk’s Starlink project in Russia.

The Starlink project aims to provide global satellite internet coverage and has faced criticism in Russia due to concerns over national security and competition with Russian satellite internet providers. The country’s authorities have raised questions about the environmental impact of the project as well.

Despite these concerns, Putin hailed Musk’s achievements and the ambition behind the Starlink project. The Russian president also emphasized the importance of cooperation and competition in the technology sector.

This public praise from Putin could be seen as an attempt to maintain a positive relationship with Musk and encourage further investment in Russia’s technology industry. It is worth noting that Musk’s company, SpaceX, has launched multiple Russian satellites into space, showcasing a level of partnership between the two countries.

Additionally, this endorsement from the Russian president may help alleviate some of the tensions surrounding the controversy and pave the way for a more productive dialogue between Starlink and Russian authorities.

It remains to be seen how this praise from Putin will impact the ongoing dispute between Starlink and Russia, but it highlights the significance of Musk’s global influence in the technology and space sectors.