Key facts
- Russian satellite COSMOS 2612 came within 500 meters of Finnish ICEYE-X36 satellite.
- The maneuvers occurred between late September and mid-October.
- ICEYE-X36 provides intelligence to Ukraine.
- Experts are uncertain of Russia's specific goals for the operation.
A Russian satellite, COSMOS 2612, conducted a series of deliberate, fuel-intensive maneuvers between late September and mid-October, closing to within 500 meters of the Finnish ICEYE-X36 satellite. The ICEYE satellite provides intelligence to the Ukrainian military. Experts are analyzing Russia's motives, which could include testing new capabilities, gathering intelligence, or intimidating the Finnish company. The incident occurred shortly after the U.S. Space Force announced it had on-orbit offensive space weapons at its disposal. The Center for Strategic and International Studies discussed the event, with experts like Greg Gillinger and Clayton Swope expressing uncertainty about Russia's specific goals but agreeing the action was not benign.