Russia obtains Chinese satellite imagery of Ukrainian territory via a network of commercial intermediaries, reports *Il Giornale*, citing journalistic investigations. In 2025, more than 80% images with a resolution of less than one metre, sold on the Russian commercial market, originated from the Jilin-1 constellation. Such data can be used for military reconnaissance.<\/p>\n
Briefly about the main points<\/strong><\/p>\n According to the investigations, high-resolution Chinese imagery can be used to identify military targets, track the movements of military equipment and assess the consequences of strikes. At the same time, it is impossible to establish a direct link between each image purchased and a specific Russian attack.<\/p>\n The origin of the data is not always clear to the buyer: private companies may sell imagery under different names. This makes it difficult to trace the supply chain and identify the original satellite operator.<\/p>\n One example is the Chinese radar satellite<\/a> Chaohu-1, developed by Spacety. On the Russian market, its imagery is marketed as Elsat-1 through the companies L5 and SCANEX, which, according to published data, can deliver the information to customers within a few hours.<\/p>\n Journalists identified the satellite by its alternative trade name, having compared its technical specifications, orbital data and company documentation. This arrangement enables satellite data to be sold through the commercial sector.<\/p>\n In detailed observation mode, Chaohu-1 produces images with a resolution of up to one metre. In ScanSAR mode, it covers a swath up to 170 kilometres wide.<\/p>\n The device uses SAR technology, which enables it to capture images at night and in heavy cloud cover. As a result, observations are not affected by lighting conditions or most weather conditions.<\/p>\n The \u00abNew Cosmos\u00bb group offers radar images obtained from Chinese satellites. The defence contractor \u00abStilsoft\u00bb uses Chinese optical platforms known as \u00abStilsat-1\u00bb, whilst \u00abNovy Start\u00bb, which had announced plans to establish its own constellation, has acknowledged that it initially used Chinese radar antennas.<\/p>\n\n
Detailed images can be used to locate objects and monitor movements<\/h2>\n
The Chaohu-1 is marketed in Russia under the name Elsat-1<\/h2>\n
Radar technology enables surveillance without the need for daylight<\/h2>\n
There are other organisations operating in the Russian market, and the US has already imposed sanctions<\/h2>\n