Watch: Russian satellite chases Ukraine-linked spacecraft in space; raises alarm

Russia's Kosmos 2612 has adjusted its orbit to match that of ICEYE-X36

A Russian military satellite has manoeuvred into close proximity with a commercial radar-imaging satellite linked to Ukraine's military, raising concerns that Moscow could be monitoring or potentially interfering with Western space assets.Russia's Kosmos 2612 has adjusted its orbit to match that of ICEYE-X36, a satellite operated by Finland-founded company ICEYE. The company's radar-imaging technology has supported Ukraine during its war with Russia.The unusual orbital manoeuvres were tracked by S2A Systems, which operates systems for space situational awareness, bringing the movements of the two spacecraft under scrutiny.

Space-security specialists have raised questions about the Russian satellite's intentions, although it remains unclear whether the manoeuvres are intended for surveillance, interference or another purpose.

The incident highlights growing concerns over the security of commercial satellites that provide intelligence and surveillance capabilities during conflicts, as space-based assets play an increasingly important role in modern warfare.This come amid an intensification of aerial strikes between Russia and Ukraine.Earlier on Sunday, Ukraine launched more than 1,000 drones at Russia in one of its largest aerial assaults of the war, killing at least one person and injuring five others, according to reports.

In a separate attack, a Russian air strike on Kyiv overnight killed a woman and injured three others, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Monday. The strike hit a subway station on the city’s left bank and damaged a 25-storey residential building, other non-residential structures and a medical facility, as attacks continued on both sides.