In May 2026, four Russian military satellites (Kosmos-2610, Kosmos-2611, Kosmos-2612, and Kosmos-2613) altered their orbits to come within 13 kilometers of the Finnish-American radar satellite ICEYE-X36, which supplies battlefield imagery to Ukraine. The Russian satellites were launched on April 17, 2026, via a Soyuz-2.1b rocket and were maneuvered to the same orbit as ICEYE-X36 at approximately 550 km altitude with 97.8 degrees inclination. These satellites appear to be inspector satellites used for close surveillance and potential sabotage of other spacecraft. Russian officials declared commercial satellites in conflict zones 'legitimate targets' in 2022, and Russia possesses anti-satellite weapons and satellites equipped with sub-satellites designed to destroy other spacecraft. Some experts contest whether the maneuvering was intentional pursuit, citing orbital altitude popularity and multiple ICEYE satellites making coincidence plausible. However, the timing, orbital changes using onboard propulsion, and close proximity specifically to ICEYE-X36, which supports Ukraine militarily, present a strong case for targeted surveillance or threat activity.

In May 2026, four Russian military satellites (Kosmos-2610, Kosmos-2611, Kosmos-2612, and Kosmos-2613) altered their orbits to come within 13 kilometers of the Finnish-American radar satellite ICEYE-X36, which supplies battlefield imagery to Ukraine. The Russian satellites were launched on April 17, 2026, via a Soyuz-2.1b rocket and were maneuvered to the same orbit as ICEYE-X36 at approximately 550 km altitude with 97.8 degrees inclination. These satellites appear to be inspector satellites used for close surveillance and potential sabotage of other spacecraft. Russian officials declared commercial satellites in conflict zones 'legitimate targets' in 2022, and Russia possesses anti-satellite weapons and satellites equipped with sub-satellites designed to destroy other spacecraft. Some experts contest whether the maneuvering was intentional pursuit, citing orbital altitude popularity and multiple ICEYE satellites making coincidence plausible. However, the timing, orbital changes using onboard propulsion, and close proximity specifically to ICEYE-X36, which supports Ukraine militarily, present a strong case for targeted surveillance or threat activity.