Today, Russia and China are actively strengthening their intelligence capabilities in space, and it directly affects Ukraine. In contrast to them - the USA and allies, who are trying to keep outer space from turning into a new field of unlimited weapons.
After 2014 year, and especially after 2022, Russia has significantly intensified its activities in space. Among the most alarming signals is the appearance of the so-called “inspectors”. These are satellites, which are able to imperceptibly converge with other devices, observe them or even interfere with their work. According to Western intelligence, Moscow is openly working on the systems, capable of disabling satellites. We are talking about ground-based anti-satellite missiles, laser complexes, that can blind the optics of satellites and developments in the creation of space weapons, including possible nuclear solutions.
Meanwhile, China has dozens of intelligence satellites (Yaogan series) and creates networks to monitor US fleets and the situation in Ukraine. In particular, during massive shelling 5 October 2025 At least three Chinese intelligence satellites recorded over Lviv Oblast last year. It should be noted, that Chinese reconnaissance satellites fly not only over the western regions of Ukraine. In general, the orbital parameters allow to carry out work over Ukraine more than 60 various satellites of the Yaogan series. They can perform optical, radar and electronic intelligence. Satellites of this series are placed in low orbits at an altitude of about 700 kilometers. This allows them to make a complete revolution around the planet approximately every 90 minutes.
The combined fleet of Russian and Chinese intelligence satellites increased by 70% over the past decade. Now the Russian Federation is close 160 active satellites, of which close 100 — military. Cooperation with China creates a powerful synergistic effect: sharing gives both countries more accurate navigation, more stable communication and wider reconnaissance coverage of the Earth, in particular for targeted strikes.
Recently, Germany and Great Britain have warned about the growing threat, which consists of Russian and Chinese space satellites, which are regularly recorded by spying on satellites, used by Western countries. In recent weeks, these countries have drawn attention to frequent cases of persecution, jamming and Russian interference in the work of their satellites in space.
According to the statement of the Minister of Defense of Germany Boris Pistorius, two Russian intelligence satellites were recently spotted, which tracked the IntelSat satellites, used by the Armed Forces of Germany and its allies. And the head of the British Space Command, Major General Paul Tedman, said, that Russian spy satellites regularly monitor British aircraft and try to jam them every week. According to him, it happens on purpose, and activity increased after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine
Attacks on communications satellites can paralyze all satellite intelligence, telecommunications and broadband Internet (including Starlink), and the violation of navigation systems will in turn affect military operations, and civil aviation. Therefore, against the background of Russian-Chinese activity, the USA is strengthening its presence in space. They are involved in this: US Space Force, which are created in 2019 year; private companies, which create new networks of satellites (like Starlink or Maxar); as well as international orbit monitoring coalitions.
Western countries are actively working on the protection of satellites, creation of warning systems, new cyber defense standards and various diplomatic initiatives, which should at least partially restrain the deployment of weapons in space. In particular, The US Space Force adopted the Meadowlands CCS enemy satellite jamming system (Counter Communications System).
This year, Ukraine also took the first steps towards building its own Space Forces of the Armed Forces: the Department of Space Policy of the Ministry of Defense was established, the bill was registered, formation is planned to the end 2025 year. This will make it possible to systematically integrate space technologies (intelligence, communication, jamming protection), reduce dependence on foreign aid and become a full-fledged player in space security. Former commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, and now the Ambassador of Ukraine to Great Britain Valery Zaluzhnyi remarked, that space forces are the key to technological superiority and operational superiority in modern warfare.
As of today, common backwardness of Europe is observed, including Ukraine, from Russia and the United States. For example, in Europe only 49 reconnaissance satellites, while the United States has 250, Russia uses over 100 reconnaissance satellites, at the same time, it very actively reoriented itself to the use of civilian satellites for military missions. In general, military analysts agree, that Ukraine should cooperate more closely with Europe as well, so is the USA, regarding the development of their Cosmic forces, not forgetting about private initiatives to attract additional opportunities and funding. Thus, for Ukraine, the creation of Space Forces is a necessity for survival in the war of a new generation.
Source: https://espreso.tv