{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy

2026 Winter Olympic Games Official Opening Ceremony kicks off in Italy

For the first time ever, the Opening Ceremony is taking place in four different locations

© Mikhail Tereshchenko/TASS

MILAN, February 6. /TASS/. The 2026 Winter Olympic Games Opening Ceremony in Italy has started.

For the first time ever, the Opening Ceremony is taking place in four different locations - at Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium, as well as at Olympic venues in Livigno, Predazzo, and Cortina.

The 2026 Winter Olympic Games will take place in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, from February 6-22, 2026. Thirteen Russian athletes will compete under a neutral status in figure skating, speed skating, short track, freestyle skiing, cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, luge and ski mountaineering.

Tags

2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy

Athletes Parade underway at 2026 Winter Olympics’ Opening Ceremony in Italy

For the first time ever, the Olympic Parade of Athletes is taking place in four different locations

Dmitriev proposes investigating possible family ties between Tusk, Epstein

The special presidential envoy and Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO responded to Donald Tusk's statements that Jeffrey Epstein was allegedly a Russian spy

Russia’s Kuryer ground robot can carry up to 10 TM-62 anti-tank mines — instructor

According to the serviceman, the vehicle has become indispensable for evacuation in areas inaccessible to humans

Russian Defense Ministry’s spacecraft put into target orbit

The launch of the carrier rocket and the insertion of spacecraft into the target orbit took place in the regular mode

US still weighing its goals in Iran — TV channel

According to the NBC News, there is still no consensus within the US administration regarding Washington's role in the situation surrounding Iran following any military intervention

Tech giants’ $660 bln AI spending plans trigger share slump — FT

The planned capital expenditure of the companies is 60% higher on the year

Russia does not want NATO to be involved in Eurasian security — Lavrov

The foreign minister says that Russia will advocate a principle of indivisible security during future talks with the US side

Hungary refuses to support NATO allies’ plans to send troops to Ukraine — PM

Viktor Orban stressed that such assistance would pose the risk of a conflict with Russia

Russia foils attempted assassination of general in Moscow — Investigative Committee

The investigators say that an unidentified person shot at Vladimir Alekseyev in a residential building

Over 100 ultra-right Israeli activists try to break through border with Gaza

According to the Israel Defense Forces, several activists managed to get into the enclave, but they were apprehended by the military

Ukraine was first to attack Russian power facilities — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that Russia never started such actions

Russia explained to US that people, not territories were main issue for it — Lavrov

As the Russian foreign minister pointed out, the putschists who came to power in Ukraine as a result of a state coup in 2014 called the people in Crimea, Donbass and Novorossiya 'inhumans'

Work on Ukraine peace document may take at least 1.5 months, source tells TASS

"Very multi-dimensional and phased work is ongoing," the agency's source said

OSCE faces real threat of self-destruction — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, most Western countries have departed radically from the high principles established in the Helsinki Accords and subsequent OSCE summit declarations

West’s secret contacts, changing rhetoric, Ukraine’s future: Lavrov's statements

Europe is trying to "prevent and disrupt the negotiations" that are budding between Russia and the United States on a settlement, the Russian foreign minister said

Zelensky suggests next round of trilateral talks could be held in United States

He also said he was waiting for the Ukrainian negotiators to brief him on the talks in Abu Dhabi

Putin offers condolences to Pakistani leadership over terror attack in Islamabad

The president reiterated Russia’s readiness to expand cooperation between the two countries in fighting terrorism

After New START expiration, Russia needs more Oreshnik missile systems — analyst

According to Igor Korotchenko, Russia’s main goal is to possess a guaranteed retaliatory strike capability using the Strategic Missile Forces weapons, specifically the ground-mobile missile systems

Lavrov slams Financial Times article about security guarantees to Ukraine as nonsense

The next round of talks between the militaries of Russia and Ukraine began on February 4

Zelensky does not care that Ukraine has turned into vast cemetery — opposition politician

Viktor Medvedchuk called Vladimir Zelensky's statements cynical ramblings

Cuba has friends, will withstand US pressure — president

Cuba will work to resist the imperialistic pressure, Miguel Diaz-Canel added

Trump promises to defend base on Diego Garcia Island militarily

I retain the right to Militarily secure and reinforce the American presence in Diego Garcia, said american leader

Over 1,100 houses remain without heat for third day in row in Kiev

First Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Denis Shmygal called the situation with Kiev's energy supply critical

Russian scientist copes with mathematical problem unsolved for 190 years

This breakthrough radically changes the understanding of one of the oldest areas of mathematics, crucial to fundamental physics and economics

Lavrov points to inconsistency in Trump’s sanctions policy

The minister noted that in April 2025, after the Russian side established contact with the Trump administration, the "International Emergency Economic Powers Act" originally adopted under former US President Joe Biden was extended for another year

New fiberoptic drone and mothership boat system tested out for first time in Black Sea

Proucer Ushkuynik plans the Knyaz Vandal of Novgorod drone to become a full-lifecycle product with own operator training program

US goes no-contact with Polish speaker over slight against Trump — ambassador

Wlodzimierz Czarzasty refused to support the initiative of the speakers of the House of Representatives of the US Congress and the Israeli Knesset to award the American leader the Nobel Peace Prize

Military leaders, specialists under threat during wartime — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that it is not the Kremlin's responsibility to discuss how to ensure their safety

Russia strikes only military, dual-purpose facilities in Ukraine — Lavrov

The Foreign Minister says that Russia abides by international humanitarian law regardles of the violations of the Ukrainian side

Lavrov rejects any bargaining on linguistic, religious rights in Ukraine

Ukraine is a member of the United Nations and must comply with the charter of the organization, the Russian foreign minister said

Ukrainian army carries out combined strike on energy sites in Russia’s Bryansk Region

According to Governor Alexander Bogomaz, energy supplies to several settlements were promptly restored

FACTBOX: Russia’s nuclear power projects abroad

Rosatom ranks first globally by the number of nuclear power plant construction projects abroad, with 41 power units in 11 countries worldwide

Russia grants political asylum to Spanish national persecuted at home

Educator and IT specialist Enrique Arias Gil was accused of cyberattacks on behalf of Moscow

Hungary’s top diplomat welcomes restored Russia-US military dialogue as 'fantastic news’

Peter Szijjarto also called on Europeans and Brussels to stop undermining peace efforts

Lavrov warns Armenian speaker of risky rapprochement with West

The Russian Foreign Ministry also said that a frank and substantive exchange of views took place between the officials on topical issues of Russian-Armenian relations

Agreement on New START would show US interest in practical engagement with Russia — expert

Eurasia Research Fellow at Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft Mark Episkopos opined that Washington's continued engagement with Moscow demonstrates a clear intent not to be seen as closing the door on practical, narrow forms of cooperation

Poll reveals over half of Poles no longer consider US as reliable ally

Of the respondents, 45% believe that there is no alliance between the US and Poland

About 95% of wounded Russian soldiers return to duty — official

This is largely the result of well-coordinated efforts to ensure their timely evacuation from the front, First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov said

West keeps Kiev regime afloat so it can tear at fabric of Russia — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, the current security guarantees are aimed at Ukraine continuing to provide its territory for the deployment of Western weapons directed at Russia

Ukraine wants security guarantees for Odessa, source tells TASS

According to the source close to the talks in Abu Dhabi, this aspect is of critical importance to Kiev

NATO 'swallowing' Ukraine infringes on OSCE charter — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister reiterated that "no one has the right to strengthen their own security to the detriment of the security of others"

Ex-Norwegian PM under corruption probe over Epstein files

Thorbjoern Jagland's legal immunity of the former Secretary General of the Council of Europe will "need to be lifted", the prosecutors say

Press review: Iran open to deal but Trump may attack and Cuba prepares for mobilization

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, February 6th

Two Russian women arrested at military base in California were in US illegally — ICE

The ICE official noted that the two women will remain in custody pending immigration proceedings

Epstein’s files mention Zelensky in connection with human trafficking from Ukraine

Vladimir Zelensky appears in Epstein's files several dozen times, most prominently in connection with the Jean-Luc Brunel case

Gazprom sets fourth straight daily gas supply record in Russia

The previous record of 1.818 bln cubic meters was set the day before

US finance chief says new sanctions on Russia depend on Ukraine talks

According to Scott Bessent, further anti-Russian sanctions may affect tankers in the so-called shadow fleet

EU trapped itself by rejecting Russian energy — Medvedev

The deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council added that Europe fell into critical dependence on American gas and would do whatever it is told

Russia, Brazil committed to Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin noted the inadmissibility of attempts to use the treaty for achieving political goals not related to disarmament and non-proliferation

Lavrov reads NATO chief's remarks as plans for military intervention in Ukraine

The top Russian diplomat mentioned Mark Rutte's statement that "Britain and France were ready to deploy troops to Ukraine"

IN BRIEF: What is known about US-Iran talks on nuclear program

According to Fars, a new stage of bilateral contacts is currently underway in the Omani capital

US did not bring proposals for new talks on New START to Geneva — envoy

No such official invitation has been received from the US administration or US officials, Gennady Gatilov emphasized

Attack on Russian general demonstrates Kiev’s intent to disrupt negotiations — Lavrov

Russia’s Foreign Minister declined to speculate on how the incident might affect future negotiations

Russia believes agreement on Ukraine should include Donbass recognition — TASS source

Russia sees the aspect concerning the recognition of Donbass by all countries as crucial, the source said

Russia’s National Wealth Fund totals $177 bln as of February 1 — Finance Ministry

The volume of the fund's liquid assets as of February 1 was $55.1 bln

US, EU will not defend Baltic states in case of their conflict with Russia — senator

"The EU and the US won’t even lift a finger for Poland, all this talk is empty posturing," member of the Federation Council’s Committee on Defense and Security Alexander Yaroshuk opined

FACTBOX: What we know about Ukrainian missile strikes on Russian regions

Segments of power, heating systems and infrastructure in Belgorod are under repairs after the attack, the mayor says

Europe has changed rhetoric, realizing futility of plans to defeat Russia — Lavrov

According to the foreign minister, Europe trained Ukrainians to use their hands and bodies to advance European interests in the war with Russia

IN BRIEF: What we know about Iran-US nuclear talks in Oman

Another round of talks will take place in the coming days, Barak Ravid, correspondent for Axios and Israel’s Channel 12 reported

Russian troops strike Ukrainian army’s energy infrastructure over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicted more than 360 casualties on Ukrainian troops

Readiness for talks and need for new agreement: situation around New START treaty

Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN Geneva office and other Geneva-based international organizations Gennady Gatilov said that Moscow will pursue an approach to the issue of strategic offensive arms based on a careful analysis of the United States’ military policy

Slovakia refuses to provide Ukraine with financial aid — senior MP

Slovakia supports humanitarian assistance and diplomatic efforts toward settling the conflict, Tibor Gaspar noted

Medvedev calls situation with Greenland 'only the beginning' for Europe

The politician stated that by refusing Russian energy resources, Europe has driven itself into a monstrous trap and fallen "into critical dependence on American gas"

US-Iran talks in Oman to be limited to nuclear program — newspaper

A Middle Eastern source says that Washington has taken heed of regional countries' desire for the negotiations to continue

Russian civilians return to Kursk from Ukrainian captivity

Governor Alexander Khinshtein said the group was accompanied by members of the Kursk regional government and medical workers

Russia returns 157 servicemen, three Kursk residents as part of prisoner swap — top brass

The Defense Ministry added that the Kiev regime returned three Russian citizens, residents of the Kursk Region

Medvedev calls EU’s 2027 ban on Russian gas imports 'idiotic'

The decision is estimated to cause an about 17% natural gas import loss in the EU, the official says

London court sentences Russian captain Motin to six years in prison for ship collision

Vladimir Motin will be eligible for parole after 37 months

Western intel agencies seek to obstruct Russia’s activities in Africa, lawmaker says

Alexey Chepa said that African countries understand the difference between the positions of Russia and the global West

IN BRIEF: What we know about assassination attempt against Russian general

According to investigators, an unidentified gunman fired several shots at the general in a residential building on Volokolamskoye Highway and fled the scene

Incompatibility of EAEU and EU, respect for Armenia’s choice: statements by Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat noted that Moscow sees Yerevan as an ally and strategic partner

Infrastructure damaged as Belgorod comes under another missile attack — mayor

No one has been injured, according to preliminary information

Zelensky says 55,000 Ukrainian troops killed since start of special military operation

Many more soldiers remain missing in action, Vladimir Zelensky admits

EU going to block Russian oil transportation together with G7 countries

The 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions will also include the ban on financial transactions for twenty more Russian regional banks, restrictions against payment systems and cryptocurrencies created by Russia, and certain foreign trade restrictions

Russian fighters consolidate in northwestern Tatyanovka in Donetsk region — expert

"The situation has been developing positively," Andrey Marochko said

Russia to oppose deployment of British-French troops in Ukraine — ambassador

Andrey Kelin said that NATO's self-confidence stems from the concept which Ukraine promotes together with the Europeans

Merz says EU ready for talks with Russia, but without 'parallel communication channels'

The German chancellor said the goal is to end the conflict in Ukraine as soon as possible

Russian analog of Starlink to begin serial production in 2026 — Roscosmos CEO

He added that by 2027, an orbital constellation of more than 300 satellites will be deployed

Knife-wielding man attacks kindergarten in Orenburg Region: what we know

A 25-year-old used a side door to enter the building, wounded a teacher

Kremlin praises Abu Dhabi talks as constructive, complex work

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that it would be continued

European Commission presents 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions

The Commission repeatedly said earlier that it is going to put the new sanctions package into effect by February 24

NATO says its Arctic Sentry operation unlikely to mean more assets are deployed in region

According to the NATO's Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe Keith Blount, the operation would allow the North Atlantic Alliance’s military in the region to look "far more joined up, far more coherent, far more focused"

Russia, Brazil in talks on creating direct shipping lane — deputy premier

Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk emphasized that from the logistical point of view it will be very convenient and fast enough

IN BRIEF: What we know about new prisoner exchange between Russia, Ukraine

Russia has returned 157 of its servicemen from Ukrainian captivity, and 157 Ukrainian prisoners of war have been transferred in return

The Netherlands counts on early conclusion of peace in Ukraine — acting minister

David Van Weel recalled that the Netherlands annually provided approximately €7 billion in aid to Ukraine over the past three years

West tries to drag Russia into Epstein scandal — Foreign Ministry

The purpose of the manipulation is obvious - to create the impression that Russia is nervous and making excuses, Maria Zakharova said

US to discuss New START replacement with Russia — White House

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that modernized treaty can last long into the future

OSCE crisis, attack on general, NATO intervention in Ukraine: Lavrov statements

According to the foreign minister, the terrorist attack against Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseyev confirmed the intention of Vladimir Zelensky's regime to disrupt the negotiations

Lavrov calls on journalists to request list of those killed in Bucha

The minister emphasized that for "all sorts of Ruttes, von der Leyens, and Zelenskys" lying is like breathing

Russian troops liberate eight communities in Ukraine operation over week — top brass

Russian forces delivered one massive and five combined strikes on Ukrainian military-industrial enterprises, energy and transport facilities over the week

Progress made: what we know about negotiations on Ukraine in Abu Dhabi

Head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev said that there is progress in the negotiations

Russia got burned by Western promises not to expand NATO — Lavrov

The minister said that Russia had created a Russia-NATO Council with Western countries "in an effort to establish a permanent dialogue and increase trust"

Macron's declared intention to call Putin are ‘miserable attempt at diplomacy’ — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat emphasized that President Putin was always willing to listen to any proposals, provided they were serious

Expulsion of Russian firms from Venezuela, US sanctions after Anchorage: Lavrov statements

The Russian foreign minister added that certain actions by the US do not match its statements about the possibilities for economic cooperation with Russia

Russian troops employing combination of radars, observation posts against Ukrainian UAVs

If a drone is detected by radar, the operators of the interceptor drones are immediately alerted, and they take off to engage the UAVs in a ramming attack

Lavrov to hold talks in Moscow with top OSCE officials

The talks will focus on the deep crisis facing the OSCE

German underground gas reserves fall below 30%

Other European countries with significant storage capacity are also actively drawing down their accumulated fuel

Italy to host opening ceremony for Milano Cortina Winter Olympics

A total of 116 sets of medals will be awarded in 16 sports disciplines at the Olympics in Italy

Bitcoin slumps below $65,000 for first time since October 15, 2024

By 20:20 GMT, the bitcoin accelerated its decline and was trading at $64,221

China backs Iran in defending its sovereignty, opposes military pressure — MFA

Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Miao Deyu said Beijing is willing to coordinate with all parties to uphold the principles of the UN Charter, sovereign equality, and international justice

Financial savings and venue scandals: 2026 Winter Olympics set to start in Italy

The International Olympic Committee as well as the organizers of this event in Italy thus decided to move away from the practice when the Olympics were hosted by a region in which the entire infrastructure had to be built from scratch