**Russian President Putin Praises Elon Musk as Visionary, Compares Him to Soviet Rocket Scientist Korolov**
In a surprising move, Russian President Vladimir Putin has compared U.S. tech billionaire Elon Musk to legendary Ukrainian-born Soviet rocket scientist Serhii Korolov during a speech at Bauman Moscow State Technical University. Putin praised Musk as a “trailblazing visionary” and likened him to Korolov, who developed the first artificial satellite, Sputnik, and the Vostok spacecraft that carried the first human, Yuri Gagarin, into orbit in 1961.
In his speech, Putin noted that Musk’s ambition to put humans on Mars was a remarkable achievement. “You know, there is such a person, he lives in the States, Musk, who, you could say, raves about Mars,” Putin said. “Such people (Musk) do not often appear in the human population, energized by a certain idea… Just as the ideas of Korolov, our pioneers, were implemented in their time.”
This praise from Putin is significant, given that Russia has been intensifying its outreach to Musk and his SpaceX company. In March, Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, proposed that Moscow supply nuclear power technology for Musk’s Mars missions. This move reflects a growing collaboration between Russia and SpaceX.
**Russia’s Space Ambitions**
Putin’s praise for Musk comes at a time when Russia is seeking to boost its space program and regain its status as a leading player in the global space industry. Despite severe Western sanctions, Russia continues to cooperate with the United States on some space initiatives, such as the International Space Station (ISS).
The Kremlin’s overtures to Musk also reflect a broader strategy to engage with international partners and rebuild relationships strained by Ukraine-related tensions.
**Elon Musk’s Shift in Stance**
However, it is worth noting that Elon Musk has become increasingly critical of Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelensky. His tweets have echoed pro-Russian narratives, sparking controversy among Ukrainian supporters.
This shift in stance raises questions about Musk’s motivations for accepting Russia’s overtures. Does he genuinely see opportunities for collaboration with the Kremlin, or is this a calculated move to expand SpaceX’s reach and secure funding?
**Implications**
Putin’s praise for Elon Musk has significant implications for the space industry. It marks a new era of cooperation between Russia and SpaceX, potentially paving the way for joint ventures and technological exchanges.
However, this development also raises concerns about the potential risks associated with collaborating with Russia, given its involvement in Ukraine and other international conflicts. As such, this news serves as a reminder that the global space industry is not immune to geopolitics and diplomatic tensions.
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