Massive missile strike on Lviv linked to Chinese reconnaissance satellites
On Sunday, October 5th, Lviv experienced a large-scale missile attack during which military and intelligence agencies detected the passage of three Chinese reconnaissance satellites executing spy missions.
According to media reports and monitoring services, nine passes of Yaogan 33 series satellites — including Yaogan 33, Yaogan 33-03, and Yaogan 33-04 — were recorded over Lviv from midnight until early morning.
Later, an optical reconnaissance satellite Yaogan 34 entered the region and was scheduled to make seven orbits throughout the day.
Overall, more than 60 types of satellites from this series provide China with advanced remote sensing capabilities in conflict zones.
While official statements suggest that these satellites are used for scientific research and disaster prevention, experts believe they serve military purposes, equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems that operate at low Earth orbit heights of approximately 700 kilometers.
This configuration enables near-constant observation, completing an orbit roughly every 90 minutes.
Recent intelligence indicates a close collaboration between China and Russia, with Beijing transmitting satellite data to Moscow, which then uses this information for targeted missile strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure.
Ukrainian authorities confirmed that Russia has launched over 12 missile attacks and 78 drones on Lviv and its region.
Officials point to Chinese satellite intelligence supporting Russia’s strategic military operations, although specific targets and extent of damage remain undisclosed.