Is Russia stalking satellites which help Ukraine from space?

What happened: A Russian military satellite, Cosmos 2612, manoeuvred to within roughly 500 metres of ICEYE-X36, a US-registered radar satellite owned by the US arm of Finnish company ICEYE, according to space-tracking data. Key numbers: LeoLabs put the closest approach at about 500 metres, down from more than 320km. Why it matters: Analyst Mark Hilborne said the choice of a commercial target suggests Russia does not distinguish between commercial and military satellites as potential targets. Researcher Juliana Suess said the political goal of intimidation should not be underestimated.

A Russian military satellite, Cosmos 2612, manoeuvred to within roughly 500 metres of ICEYE-X36, a US-registered radar satellite owned by the US arm of Finnish company ICEYE, according to space-tracking data.

Analyst Mark Hilborne said the choice of a commercial target suggests Russia does not distinguish between commercial and military satellites as potential targets. Researcher Juliana Suess said the political goal of intimidation should not be underestimated.