Putin Praises Elon Musk as Visionary Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly praised Elon Musk, likening him to legendary Soviet space engineer Sergei Korolev and describing him as a visionary 'absolutely crazy about Mars.' Putin highlighted Musk's rare drive and ambition, suggesting such individuals are seldom seen and often realize seemingly incredible ideas over time. The Russian leader's admiration comes despite heightened geopolitical tensions and Musk's controversial public comments on global affairs, particularly regarding Ukraine, where Musk has shifted from being a perceived ally to openly criticizing Ukrainian leadership and amplifying misinformation. Putin previously commended Musk as an 'outstanding person' and noted his significant achievements with SpaceX, which has become a major partner with NASA and other space agencies. These remarks reflect Putin's recognition of Musk's impact on space exploration, even as Musk faces scrutiny for his political stances and influence on international issues.