# Russian satellite makes exceptionally close approach to ICEYE spacecraft aiding Ukraine

https://mins.news/en/item/115323

- Meduza, 2026-10-26 05:30 UTC
- World
- Original: https://meduza.io/en/feature/2026/10/26/russia-is-escalating-its-confrontation-with-the-west-in-orbit-its-satellites-are-pursuing-spacecraft-from-companies-helping-ukraine-and-starlink-has-been-put-on-notice

> Russia’s Kosmos-2612 inspector satellite approached ICEYE-X36, a radar-imaging spacecraft operated by Finnish-American company ICEYE, on October 18. Estimates put them 26 to 470 meters apart at closest approach. Ukraine’s military uses ICEYE data. Moscow calls inspector satellites a “tool of strategic deterrence” and says commercial spacecraft supporting intelligence gathering against Russia may face forced inspection in orbit.

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