Russia Stalks Ukrainian Satellite at 5 Kilometers as Musk Slows Starlink

A Russian military satellite conducted an unprecedented close approach to an American commercial satellite that provides critical imagery to Ukraine, while a separate report revealed that Elon Musk ordered a slowdown of the Starlink service Ukraine's military relies on for battlefield operations.

The Russian spacecraft, designated Kosmos-2612, spent several days maneuvering at close range around the Iceye-X36 satellite between October 15 and 19, coming within less than five kilometers, according to space-tracking specialists [1][2][3]. The Russian craft carried out "a series of deliberate maneuvers" around the satellite, alternating between positions ahead of and behind it, in what observers described as "extreme proximity" [2][3]. Experts fear Russia may be preparing for satellite warfare [1].

The Iceye-X36 satellite provides critical imagery for Ukraine's defense efforts [2]. The close approach between two active, separately owned satellites has been called unprecedented by space-tracking specialists [3].

Separately, The Wall Street Journal reported that Musk last week ordered a slowdown of the military-grade Starlink satellite service that Ukraine depends on for battlefield communications and drone operations [4]. The report, citing U.S. officials and people familiar with the matter, said limiting the service hampered the country's military activities [4]. Musk, his company SpaceX, and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and Reuters could not immediately verify the report [4].

Ukraine relies heavily on American satellites and intelligence sharing to defend itself against Russian attacks, but the inconsistent flow of Starlink service has exposed a key vulnerability [5]. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the situation around the satellite networks Starlink and Starshield, along with missiles designed to intercept ballistic missiles and early warning systems for Russian air attacks [6]. Zelensky expressed gratitude for Rubio's readiness to help and his clear position [6].

The European Union has responded to concerns about reliance on U.S. satellites by fast-tracking antitrust approval for Project Bromo, a satellite venture that merges three European firms into a single competitor to SpaceX [7]. The EU wants to end its reliance on American satellites, which failed Ukraine this week [7].

Meanwhile, Ukraine's air force disclosed that Western allies gave advance warning about only one of two overnight Russian ballistic missile attacks, highlighting the challenge Kyiv faces in defending against fast-moving strikes [8]. Ballistic missiles travel at high speed and follow a steep path, giving defenders little time to react, making early warning from partners critical to activate air defenses and protect civilians [8]. The air force did not specify which attack was flagged in advance or what targets were hit [8].

Ukrainian engineers are also racing to build AI-guided, jet-powered interceptors to counter a fast new Russian drone threat, aiming to field these interceptors quickly to defend Kyiv and other cities [9].