Germany's defence minister has warned his country's satellites are being shadowed by Russian satellites.
Boris Pistorius cited concerns over two Luch/Olymp satellites shadowing Intelsat satellites used by German forces and others.
He told a Berlin space conference: "Russia and China have expanded their capabilities for warfare in space rapidly over the past years.
"They can disrupt satellite operations, blind satellites, manipulate or kinetically destroy them."
The two Russian satellites - launched in 2014 and 2023 - have long been accused of "loitering" and "eavesdropping" on other satellites by stopping nearby to intercept signals.
French space start-up Aldoria said it observed one performing a "sudden close approach" to a satellite in geostationary orbit in May 2024.
The year before, US firm Slingshot Aerospace said it had detected "unfriendly" behaviour - with one of the satellites showing a pattern in which it was stopping near non-Russian satellites.
Geostationary satellites rarely move and usually spend years in the same position.
The German minister stressed it was important to develop offensive capabilities in space as a deterrent to such manoeuvres.
Military analyst Sean Bell said the closest stop observed by one of the Russian satellites was about 10km (6 miles) - very close in space terms.
"Every now again it moves closer to one, then close to another - almost testing, finding out how close it can get," he told Sky News.
Intelsat operates more than 50 satellites that are used by a range of private companies, as well as government agencies.
The warning comes amid speculation Russia might be behind drones that have disrupted several airports in Denmark this week.
It also follows NATO jets being scrambled last week when Russian jets violated Estonian airspace.
(c) Sky News 2025: Russian satellites shadowing our satellites, warns German defence minister
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy sentenced to five years in prison
The men facing torture and death to smuggle food into famine-ridden Sudan city
Denmark's Aalborg airport closes after drones spotted - as minister says 'professional actor' trying to cause fear
Could Andy Burnham be a serious threat to Sir Keir Starmer?
Three young women tortured and murdered by drug gang - all captured live on Instagram
Trump administration will push back if FIFA ban Israel from international football as UEFA close to suspension decision
Fans to see Ticketmaster changes after Oasis investigation - here's what they are
Wayne Rooney says he'd be dead if it wasn't for wife Coleen
