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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy

Swiss alpine skier Foehn Allmen becomes first champion of 2026 Olympics

The champion finished with a time of 1 minute 51.61 seconds

MILAN, February 7. /TASS/. Swiss alpine skier Franjo Foehn Allmen won the gold medal in the downhill at the Olympic Games in Italy. The competition is taking place in Bormio.

The champion finished with a time of 1 minute 51.61 seconds. Second place went to Italian Giovanni Franzoni (trailing by 0.20 seconds), and third to Italian Dominik Paris (+0.50).

Foehn Allmen is 24 years old. He is a two-time world champion from 2025, having won the downhill and team combined events at that tournament.

The athletes were awarded the first set of medals at the Olympics in Italy. The Games will conclude on February 22. A total of 116 medal sets will be awarded.

Tags

2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy

IOC denies norovirus outbreak after cases among female hockey players

Players of the Swiss women’s hockey team were isolated after a case of norovirus infection was detected in one of the athletes following their victory in the opening match of the Olympic tournament against the Czech team

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

Olympics incomplete without all Russian athletes — State Duma vice speaker

Deputy Speaker of the State Duma Alexander Zhukov noted that the situation with the admission of Russian athletes is beginning to change, since in some sports they have already been admitted to international competitions

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

Germany’s economic losses from recent years’ crises reach nearly €1 trillion

Total losses in real GDP from 2020-2026 amount to €940 billion, the Cologne Institute for Economic Research reported

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

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

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

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

Russians stranded in Cuba will soon be taken to Russia — tourist industry union

According to information from tour operators affiliated with RUTI, the situation is now under control

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

Japan aims to sign peace treaty with Russia despite difficult relations — premier

Sanae Takaichi emphasized that "the fact that the peace treaty has not yet been signed is beyond sad"

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

Iran is ready for deal, but US in no rush to finalize it — Trump

A new round of negotiations between Iran and the United States on resolving the crisis surrounding Tehran’s nuclear program took place on February 6 in the capital of Oma

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

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

No plans yet for conversation between Putin and Trump — Kremlin

On February 4-5, Abu Dhabi hosted the second round of talks between Russia, the United States and Ukraine

US Department of State approves potential sale of spare parts to Ukraine worth $185 mln

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States, the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency said

UN chief Guterres urges to observe Olympictruce as 2026 Winter Games open in Italy

Antonio Guterres said that "the only struggle between nations should be on the sports field, not the battlefield"

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

60 Palestinians detained in West Bank on suspicion of terrorism over past week

According to the Israel Defense Forces, a number of those detained are suspected of having links to the radical Palestinian organizations Hamas and Islamic Jihad

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

Many more soldiers remain missing in action, Vladimir Zelensky admits

Kiev's trail recognizable in assassination attempt on Russian general — legislator

Leonid Slutsky emphasized that the Kiev regime has a history of attempting to sabotage diplomatic efforts through terrorist acts and provocations

Slovakia to challenge EU ban on Russian gas in court — deputy speaker

Tibor Gaspar also recalled Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico’s words, who described the EU ban as "energy suicide"

Oil and gas revenues of Russian budget down 50.2% in January — ministry

Resources of the National Wealth Fund in the amount of non-received oil and gas revenues were used in connection with ‘fiscal rules’ for purposes of funding the federal budget deficit

Russia agrees with Xi about importance of eliminating root causes of conflict — Lavrov

The Russian top diplomat recalled that China had put forward several major initiatives in recent years

US tells Kiev it will reduce its role in peace talks due to upcoming elections — Reuters

Donald Trump is likely to focus more on domestic affairs, meaning "top US officials will have less time and political capital to spend on sealing a peace accord"

Russia gains access to Ukrainian culture minister’s files

The source said that the National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption is subordinate to the government and is currently directly controlled by Vladimir Zelensky

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

Russia’s nuclear triad to gain new hypersonic component — expert

Alexander Stepanov cited projects such as the GELA hypersonic drone, capable of reaching speeds of up to 11,000 km/h, a new unmanned aerial vehicle capable of reaching Mach 7 and launching payloads into orbit, and the Champion long-range hypersonic drone bomber

Brussels supports resumption of dialogue with Russia — Politico

According to the newspaper, there is a shared understanding in Brussels that the "context is quite different from 2022"

Iran could attack US bases in response to potential strike — foreign minister

Abbas Araghchi also emphasized that Iran’s missile program will not be discussed now or in the future, as it is a matter of defense

Attack on Russian general reveals Kiev’s unreadiness for talks — former Ukrainian PM

Nikolay Azarov said that he is convinced that Vladimir Zelensky’s office head Kirill Budanov was aware of the plotted murder

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

Viktor Medvedchuk called Vladimir Zelensky's statements cynical ramblings

Remotely detonated munition to be effective against UAVs — Russian military expert

"A remotely programmed explosion means that a standard surface-to-air gun or cannon turns into a precision weapon," Igor Korotchenko said

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

SpaceX plans to conduct an unmanned Moon landing in March 2027 — WSJ

According to the initial plans of SpaceX head Elon Musk, Starship was supposed to head to Mars in an unmanned mode in 2026 to test the safety of landing on the planet

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

US negotiations with Russia and Ukraine proceed well — Trump

The US leader said this, talking to journalists aboard Air Force One

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

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

Gazprom sets fourth straight daily gas supply record in Russia

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

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

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

Zelensky understates death toll three times not to pay compensation to widows — MP

Vladimir Zelensky is lying about 55,000 dead, Alexander Dubinsky said

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

US Republicans see possibility of losing control over both Congress chambers — Axios

This would become a "political earthquake," the portal said

Sandu's nomination for Peace Prize fuels imaginary values and pseudo-reforms — Stoianoglo

The nomination of Maia Sandu for the Nobel Peace Prize is another action of the partners, a demonstration of the appearance of support for the European course, former Prosecutor General Alexander Stoyanoglo said

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"

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

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

Armenian president approves date of next parliamentary elections

The document rules "to set the elections for June 7, 2026"

US to lift 25% tariff on India for purchasing Russian oil

This follows from the executive order signed by Donald Trump

Russian people civilization together with all peoples of Russia — Kremlin

There are more than 100 nations and nationalities living in Russia, Dmitry Peskov noted

Fashion show in Milan: what athletes were wearing during Olympic opening ceremony

A total of 92 national Olympic committees took part in the parade

Russia should be part of whole world, not 'stewing in own juices' — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted the contribution of translators of fiction, who help Russian culture develop and remain modern

Israel hits Hamas targets in Gaza Strip to retaliate ceasefire violation — IDF

The Israeli military struck "a structure used by Hamas to manufacture weapons, as well as a weapons storage facility"

Russia establishes control over Chugunovka settlement in Kharkov Region

The Russian defense ministry reported that Russian troops struck temporary deployment points of Ukrainian formations and foreign mercenaries in 158 areas over the past day

US seeks to end conflict in Ukraine by summer — Zelensky

Meanwhile, according to a statement by Vladimir Zelensky, Ukraine’s position regarding withdrawal from Donbass following the negotiations in Abu Dhabi remains unchanged

Federal budget deficit totaled $22.1 bln in January — Finance Ministry

According to the preliminary estimate, revenues of the federal budget totaled $30.7 bln in January 2026

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 embassy in Cuba receives no requests from tourists due to flight delays

The Russian embassy said that it is in close contact with the Cuban aviation authorities

Slovakia overcame threats of destabilization — deputy speaker of parliament

Tibor Gaspar noted that "the protests that took place last year were an expression of citizens’ democratic right to voice their opinions"

Armenia's rapprochement with West challenges relations with Moscow — Russian ambassador

The EU is currently pursuing a hostile policy towards the Russian Federation, Sergey Kopyrkin explained

Crew-12 mission that includes Russian cosmonaut arrives at space center in Florida — NASA

Liftoff of Crew-12 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft remains on track for no earlier February 11

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

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

Vulin links protection of Serbia's interests with partnership with Russia

Head of the representative office of the Russian Historical Society in Belgrade noted that it was "very easy for him to agree with Russia on all strategic issues for Serbia," but he "cannot find a single point of contact with the European Union"

US to take measures against India if it starts buying Russian oil again — Trump

According to Donald Trump, the US administration can also re-impose an additional 25% tariff

Belarus stands in solidarity with Pakistan in fight against terrorism — president

Alexander Lukashenko has sent condolences to the leadership of Pakistan in connection with the terrorist attack at the Islamabad mosque

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

Russia’s Su-57E, Su-35 fighters with combat experience in demand among foreign partners

According to Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheev, top positions in their market segments have been achieved and will be retained in the near future by the Lancet-E and KUB loitering munitions, the Orlan-10E and Orlan-30 reconnaissance UAVs, as well as the Skat 350M and Supercam S350 drones

West’s anti-Russian hysteria hinders peace efforts in Ukraine — Ukrainian politician

The West’s current rhetoric only fuels confrontation and is a real obstacle on the path of peace talks, Viktor Medvedchuk noted

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

OSCE trying to prevent war in Europe — Secretary General

Feridun Sinirlioglu added that "in diplomacy, results are never instantaneous" and that "patience is required"

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

Russia set record volume of LNG supplies to Europe in January 2026

EU imports of Russian LNG amounted to 2.276 billion cubic meters, according to TASS calculations based on data from the European analytical center Bruegel

Over 80 Ukrainian drones downed over various Russian regions overnight

45 of them were destroyed over the Volgograd Region

Belarusian doctors say some of Russian PoWs need medical aid after captivity in Ukraine

Some of the servicemen were diagnosed with multiple embedded fragments that already caused complications, such as osteomyelitis

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

Olympic flame of 2026 Winter Games lit in Italy

For the first time ever, the Olympic flame was lit simultaneously in two separate cities - Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo

Kremlin spokesman Peskov says rooting for national athletes at 2026 Olympics

Dmitry Peskov said that he will watch every competition where Russian athletes take part

Man killed in drone attack on Kursk Region

Three more people were wounded

Russian diplomatic mission in Havana plans no evacuation — ambassador

The embassy and other Russian foreign institutions in Cuba, including the embassy's school, are operating normally, Viktor Coronelli said

Spanish national granted asylum in Russia speaks out about blackmail, persecution at home

Enrique Arias Gil also noted that there is more freedom of speech in Russia than in Spain

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

Kiev urgently needs spare parts for servicing US military equipment — Pentagon

The US administration believes that the proposed sale of this equipment and support "will not alter the military balance in the region"

Sending European troops to Ukraine would mean military conflict with Russia — Orban

The Hungarian prime minister intends to reaffirm this position at a meeting with activists of the ruling Fidesz party in Szombathely

Trump signs executive order to impose tariffs on countries trading with Iran

According to the document, actions and policies of Iran continue to "constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States"

Fire breaks out at Tver Region commercial facility after drone attack

So far, no casualties were reported

Italian President Mattarella declares 2026 Winter Olympic Games as open

Athletes from Russia and Belarus have been cleared to participate in the 2026 Winter Games under a neutral designation

Air defenses destroy 20 Ukrainian UAVs over Russian regions within three-hour period

10 of them were destroyed over the Belgorod Region

Slovakia refuses to provide Ukraine with financial aid — senior MP

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

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

France ready to continue deepening dialogue on strategic weapons — foreign ministry

The New START treaty, the last agreement on strategic arms control between the United States and Russia, expired on February 5, 2026

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

General Alexeyev regains consciousness post-surgery after attempt on life

At this point, it can be cautiously stated that the threat to his life has passed, the agency was informed

Majority of Moldovan residents support integration with Russia — expert

Head of the Russian-Moldovan Friendship and Cooperation Center Dmitry Sorokin noted that there is a need to hold a referendum with two alternatives - becoming a part of Romania or Russia

Explosion injures six people at beauty salon in Grenoble

According to the prosecutor quoted by Franceinfo, the explosive device was allegedly intended not for murder, but for intimidation

US to fine contractors for delays in ammunition supplies to Ukraine — Bloomberg

The exact sum of the penalty is unknown at this point

US, Kiev discuss possible elections, referendum in Ukraine in May — Reuters

According to the report, the US negotiating team told Ukrainian officials during recent meetings in Abu Dhabi "that it would be best if that vote occurred soon"