The Newshound

Russian satellite 'moved within 85ft' of a US-registered craft that supplies Ukraine with intelligence before backing off, analysts claim

Space analysts say Kosmos 2612 may have been poised to attack ICEYE-X36, which would have marked the first act of war in orbit, before the Kremlin called it off. Some link the retreat to President Donald Trump easing curbs on Russian diesel exports and pulling new sanctions. US tracking firm LeoLabs puts the closest approach nearer 500 metres. 'We just don't know,' said Clayton Swope.

Kosmos 2612 began stalking ICEYE-X36 on September 30, months after a Soyuz launch in April.

ICEYE, headquartered in Finland, signed a deal in January expanding Ukraine's access to its data.

LeoLabs warns Moscow may have been preparing for 'future counterspace operations'.

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