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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Trump to put nearly all USAID staff in Washington on leave — Politico

According to the report, some 1,400 people will be notified about their leave Tuesday, while about 600 were placed on leave starting Sunday night

WASHINGTON, February 5. /TASS/. The US administration plans to place on leave nearly all staffers of the US Agency for International Development (USAID)’s Washington office, the Politico newspaper reported citing sources.

According to the report, some 1,400 people will be notified about their leave Tuesday, while about 600 were placed on leave starting Sunday night. That amounts to the majority of Washington-based staff, with many of them being civil and Foreign Service officers.

Besides, a senior USAID official said the agency’s human resources department had already revoked system access for more than 1,400 staffers — an indication that many more are being put on leave than those previously announced.

Earlier, the US administration effectively paused USAID’s operations, with President Donald Trump appointing Secretary of State Marco Rubio as its temporary chief. The suspension of USAID was suggested by billionaire Elon Musk, whom Trump had previously appointed to head the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency, tasked with streamlining the US government, reducing the bloated state apparatus, and addressing inefficiencies.

The Trump administration's crackdown on USAID, a key tool of Washington's foreign policy and a means of exerting US influence over other countries, has already sparked a storm of protests from members of the Democratic Party. Although USAID is formally an independent agency, it operates as an integral part of the Department of State.

Ukrainian Defense Ministry announces recruiting men aged 18-24 for contract service

Recently, the issue of lowering the age of mobilization to 18 has been increasingly raised in Ukraine, as the United States insists on it

Kiev sabotaged Minsk-2 accords almost from day one — diplomat

"Kiev only feigned participation in the negotiation process, protracting it under all sorts of pretexts," Boris Gryzlov added

Wagenknecht warns that Taurus missiles, if supplied to Kiev may open 'gates of hell'

Sarah Wagenknecht also criticized the parties of the Traffic Light Coalition, which disbanded in November, for the current state of the nation

Yudaeva is in Washington, personally performing duties of Director for Russia at IMF

Bloomberg reported on January 22, the US Treasury Department has allowed Yudaeva, who is under US sanctions, to come to the United States to work at the IMF

Russians purchased unprecedented number of used electric cars last year

Nissan leads the ranking of the most popular brands in the secondary market

Russia tests drones for interaction with Su-57 jet

According to UAC CEO Vadim Badekha, the open architecture of the Su-57 onboard equipment and high-speed communication lines provide for an effective interaction with drones of various classes

Innovative new drone system undergoes trials in Donetsk People’s Republic

The drone can cover a distance of up to 15 km and strike light armored vehicles, manpower and fortifications. It is compatible with RPG-7 and SPG-9 rounds

Poland claims Russian military aircraft allegedly violated its airspace

It is claimed that the Su-24MR violated Polish airspace to a maximum depth of 6.5 km and remained there for 1 minute 12 seconds

Azerbaijan calls Armenia’s accusations of readying attack groundless

According to Ayhan Hajizadeh, Yerevan, despite its obligations under a 2020 trilateral declaration, maintained more than 10,000 troops in Azerbaijan over the next three years

The Netherlands panic-stricken over Trump's plans for Ukraine — Russian ambassador

Earlier, Trump expressed his hope that agreements on solving the Ukraine crisis will be reached "in the not too distant future"

David Beckham registers trademark in Russia — watchdog

According to Rospatent data, products that can be produced in Russia under the David Beckham brand are textiles for the home and sports, as well as goods for newborns and the furniture industry

Trumps says US will not buy Gaza Strip

When asked about the potential resettlement of Gazan, Trump said, "It's not where I want them to live."

Trump says Ukraine may one day become part of Russia

US President added that he had warned Kiev that the US "can’t continue to pay this money" like it had previously done

Kremlin silent on whether US suggests ideas for resolution in Ukraine

Over recent weeks, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed his willingness and readiness to hold a conversation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin

Large part of Ukraine seeks to become Russia or has already joined it — Kremlin

Earlier, US President Donald Trump said in an interview that "Ukraine may be Russian one day"

IN BRIEF: What we know about last night’s Ukrainian drone attack on Russian regions

A production facility in Saratov was damaged as a result of a drone attack, Governor Roman Busargin said

Putin orders to change structure of economic growth in Russia

The Russian leader stressed that "it is important everywhere, in all regions of our country, to create new plants, new jobs"

West continues flooding Kiev regime with arms despite potential talks — Russian diplomat

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin noted that Moscow observed this fact and took it into account in its policy

US Vice President plans to meet with Zelensky on February 14 — Politico

According to Politico, US President Donald Trump's special envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg will also take part in the conference

Polish mercenaries in Sudzha, Kursk Region, abused civilians, local resident says

According to the woman, currently there is no way to communicate with those who stayed in Sudzha

Poland deploys fighter jets in response to 'Russia’s activity' — Operational Command

"Fighter squadrons were launched, and the ground-based air defense and radar reconnaissance systems were brought to the highest degree of readiness," the Operational Command reported

Israel to resume Gaza hostilities if Hamas fails to release hostages by February 15 — PM

Benjamin Netanyahu did not specify the number of hostages Israel demands be released

Trump’s steel duties to cost Ukraine $125.6 mln

The largest exports are steel billets and rolled products, while the share of aluminum is negligible

US, UK do not sign final declaration of AI summit in Paris

According to the media, the absence of the United States and the United Kingdom in the list of signatories points to different approaches to AI governance matters

Trump stands by ultimatum to Hamas

When asked whether he thinks that Hamas will heed his warning, Trump also answered in the affirmative

Russian lawyer of convicted US drug trafficker Fogel confirms his release

Previously, the White House announced that Russia had released Fogel

Russian regulator suspends type approval for Shacman SX3258 trucks

The watchdog issued a series of improvement notices to a representative of the Shacman automobile plant

Romanian president announces resignation on February 12

Klaus Iohannis foresees a division in Romanian society, while no foreign nation will understand why this step is being taken if preparations for the presidential elections are already underway

EU regulation allowing insect powder to be added to food products takes effect

Manufacturers will be required to indicate the insect powder on the ingredient list of any products they sell

Compromises in conflict to split Ukrainian society — Kiev mayor

In the worst case, Ukraine will found itself on the verge of a deadly internal conflict, Vitaly Klichko warned

Russian troops liberate Yasenovoye community in Donbass region over past day

Russian troops delivered an overnight strike by precision weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), hitting energy sites of Ukraine’s military-industrial sector over the past 24 hours, the ministry reported

Houthis say they will strike Israel if it resumes operations in Gaza

According to Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, the Yemeni rebels also support the Lebanese people and the Hezbollah movement and are ready to side with them if Israel escalates the conflict

US, UK, Australia sanction Russian Internet service Zservers — US Department of State

The sanctions list also includes Zservers administrators Alexander Mishin and Alexander Bolshakov

Ukrainian forces drop poisoned water bottles on Russian positions — volunteer

The claims about elderly women allegedly "slipping poison and killing entire units" are fabricated, Valeria Petrusevich pointed out

Russia’s fifth-generation Su-57 fighter wipes out enemy targets outside engagement area

The Su-57’s onboard equipment integrates various data while the information support system incorporating artificial intelligence elements allows the pilot to make decisions in a fraction of a second and always emerge victorious in an air combat, Vadim Badekha stressed

Kiev steps up terror attacks, acts of sabotage to intimidate Russians — FSB chief

Alexander Bortnikov noted that the Kiev regime has no qualms about committing terrorist acts, nor is it above targeting mass gatherings

New Syrian government ready to retain Russian military bases in country

Russia operates two military facilities in Syria - the Tartus naval logistics base and the Khmeimim air base located 20 km southeast of Latakia

Ukraine must accept loss of territories, reject NATO membership — UK parliamentarian

According to Lord Richard Balfe, there should be an agreement that Ukraine would not join NATO or host any foreign troops for a period of at least 25 years

Ukraine receives gas by transit via Slovakia — Slovak PM

Slovakia has the moral right to consider options for terminating gas pumping by foreign companies with the daily volume of about 7.5 mln cubic meters, Robert Fico said

Ex-Ukrainian leader declares critical frontline situation

Recently, the Ukrainian military leadership has been increasingly discussing the difficult operational and strategic situation Kiev’s army is facing

DOGE reveals shocking expenditures without Congress approval — Johnson

Immediately after the January 20 inauguration of Donald Trump, DOGE began a comprehensive audit of the US budget spending with the aim of cutting it by $2 trillion

Russia finds more evidence of its POWs being tortured in Ukraine

"Russian servicemen told investigators that physical violence had been used by Ukrainian troops against prisoners of war," the statement reads

Deposits that Zelensky put up for sale not yet explored properly — expert

Earlier, The New York Post reported that President Donald Trump intended to negotiate a $500-million deal with Ukraine to secure access to rare earth metals and gas in exchange for security guarantees as part of any potential peace settlement

US propaganda media not going anywhere, despite Musk's criticism — Russian diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, the United States will not get rid of its "propaganda resources," instead "only adjusting them to new realities"

EU won’t accept deal with Ukraine without Europe being part of it — foreign policy chief

US President Donald Trump said earlier that he would like to reach agreements on the Ukrainian settlement soon

Lavrov discusses key agenda of Greater Eurasia with CICA chief — Russian MFA

The ministry added that the secretary general and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko, in the course of individual consultations, discussed in detail the tasks of intensifying practical cooperation

New anti-Russian sanctions to influence global oil supply routes — EIA

New sanctions against Russian oil did not significantly influence forecasts on the oil market balance and oil prices, the US Energy Information Administration said

US has no plans to cut number of troops in Europe — Pentagon chief

Pete Hegseth added that US President Donald Trump's views on many issues are very different from those of his predecessors

Ukrainian army selling US weapons to Mexican cartels, Tucker Carlson says

Earlier, Carlson said that "the Ukrainian military is selling about half of the arms they get from the United States into international black markets

Hamas will not release hostages if Israel fails to honor ceasefire deal — TV

"Hamas reaffirms its commitment to the Gaza agreement," the movement said

Press review: Washington's policies divide the West and Trump sparks Pentagon changes

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, February 11th

Serious progress achieved in resolving Ukrainian crisis — Trump

The US president held a meeting with Jordanian King Abdullah II in the White House

Luxury brands discussing return to Russia

These brands hope the situation will make it possible for them to return to the market by the end of 2025, CMWP Senior Director Zulfiya Shilyaeva said

Konyukhov’s South Atlantic feat marks a new era in ocean rowing

In 2002, Konyukhov already navigated the Atlantic Ocean from east to west, from the Canary Islands to Barbados, aboard the Uralaz rowboat in 46 days

Russia expands Su-57 production capacity

Su-57 integration with unmanned aerial vehicles will be the central element of future combat systems, CEO of the United Aircraft Corporation Vadim Badekha said

Ukraine’s contract recruitment to be followed by 18-year-old conscription — expert

Previously, Zelensky said that young Ukrainians under the age of mobilization will receive $ 24,000, will be able to choose a university at the end of the contract

IN BRIEF: What is known about explosions, blackouts in Ukraine

Blasts were reported in the Kharkov, Dnepropetrovsk, Nikolayev, Cherkassy, Poltava, Kiev and Sumy regions, as well as in Sumy and Poltava

Undamaged leg of Nord Stream may be launched in year’s time, Serbia’s Vucic predicts

On September 26, 2022, Nord Stream AG reported unprecedented damage that occurred the day before on three strings of the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 offshore gas pipelines

US F-35 jets cannot keep up with Russia’s Su-57E — Russian diplomat

Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov noted that the Su-57 was the only jet that has been used in real combat

Most of Ukrainian troops that entered Kursk Region in August eliminated — commander

Lieutenant General Apty Alaudinov noted that most of the Ukrainian formations on the territory of the Kursk Region at the moment were units formed from mobilized people

New Ukrainian settlement process not to be continuation of Minsk-2 format — diplomat

According to Boris Gryzlov, the events that followed the collapse of the Minsk process have led to a dramatic escalation far beyond the conflict zone and pushed to the surface "critical problems in the sphere of international security, strategic stability and arms control"

French SCALP missile deactivated and destroyed in Kursk Region

Before deactivating and destroying the missile, the sappers surveyed the area with the use of drones to ensure that there was no one in the vicinity, the Russian Emergencies Ministry reported

130,000 tons of fuel oil on board of Koala tanker — Russian Transport Ministry

Professionals are inspecting the tanker in parallel and are developing the pattern of connect pumps and feed steam to cargo tanks

Movement near Chasov Yar creates prospects for Russian forces in DPR, republic’s head says

On February 7, the Russian Defense Ministry reported the liberation of Dzerzhinsk

Businessman Chichvarkin accused of participating in activities of undesirable organization

According to social media, the protocol is linked with the activities of the Russian Anti-War Committee, which was recognized as an undesired organization at the request from a prosecutor’s office

Sending 40,000 troops to Ukraine to become Europe's elusive goal — newspaper

At the same time, according to Lawrence Freedman, emeritus professor of war studies at King’s College London, "a real deterrent force would typically require well over 100,000 troops assigned to the mission for regular rotations and emergencies"

US insincere while discussing Ukrainian settlement — senior Russian diplomat

Meanwhile, according to Sergey Ryabkov, Moscow’s position has never changed

Hamas blames Israel for delays in Gaza deal implementation

Movement emphasized that it would be implementing the Egypt-, Qatar-, and US-mediated deal "as long as the other party is implementing its commitments"

US treasury secretary to visit Ukraine for talks with Zelensky — Trump

Earlier, the media reported that President Donald Trump intended to negotiate a $500-million deal with Ukraine to secure access to rare earth metals and gas in exchange for security guarantees as part of any potential peace settlement

New Suez Canal section put into operation — administration

Chairman and Managing Director of the Suez Canal Authority Osama Rabie said that implementation of waterway expansion plans "evidence readiness of canal authorities to meet all the requirements of the evolving maritime shipping industry"

Russian bomb expert describes Ugledar tunnels as grave for numerous Ukrainian troops

It is reported that the tunnels created a wide network covered by buildings

Zelensky’s refusal to fulfill Trump’s demands to lead Kiev to disaster — lawmaker

The politician expects Washington to insist that Ukraine’s parliament revoke a decree banning talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and demand that a negotiating team be formed to develop a plan to resolve the crisis based on instructions from the Rada speaker

Minsk-2 became possible thanks to Russia’s mediation — Gryzlov

As Boris Gryzlov pointed out, it is crucial to recognize that if the provisions of the document had been fully and effectively implemented, the Ukrainian crisis would not have escalated

Ukrainian Defense Ministry announces recruiting men aged 18-24 for contract service

Recently, the issue of lowering the age of mobilization to 18 has been increasingly raised in Ukraine, as the United States insists on it

Israeli ambassador leaves Russian Foreign Ministry

According to TASS’ sources, the diplomat held a meeting with the Russian side

Warfare engines undergo successful trials in Russia, ready for deployment to special op

The Kingisepp Machine Building Plant provides a range of services to ensure guaranteed and uninterrupted operation of diesel systems designed for civilian and military use

Europol arrests four Russians for allegedly spreading ransomware — statement

According to the document, law enforcement officials previously detained a Phobos administrator in South Korea in 2024, as well as a key Phobos affiliate in Italy in 2023, who was involved in the development and distribution of the ransomware

Russia-US relations on 'verge of rupture' — senior diplomat

Sergey Ryabkov emphasized that the administration of former US President Joe Biden "bet on hybrid warfare, introduced into its documents and imposed on allies in various blocs and configurations the idea of the possibility of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia"

Russia to hold Su-57 talks with India

Russia is also ready to share combat aircraft technologies with India

Musk claims US Treasury annually pays $100 bln to unidentified individuals

He noted that the DOGE team and the US Department of the Treasury had agreed to require "that all outgoing government payments have a payment categorization code, which is necessary in order to pass financial audits"

Road out of Ukrainian-occupied part of Kursk Region may be established — ombudswoman

Earlier in December, Tatyana Moskalkova told TASS that she had requested the Ukrainian side to arrange a humanitarian corridor for civilians to leave the Ukrainian-occupied territories of the Kursk Region for a safe location

Fakes around Russian House in Baku aimed at undermining bilateral ties — Moscow

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the aim is to turn residents of Azerbaijan against Russia, incite ethnic hatred and undermine cooperation between both nations

Russian company supplied 18 engines to India’s HAL

The AL-55E engine was developed specifically for the Indian single-engine trainer aircraft HJT-36, with its upgraded version known as the Yashas

Russia’s first certified agricultural drone unveiled at NAIS-2025

The S-80 agricultural drone is capable to treat up to 18 hectares of fields per hour

US taxpayers’ money goes to Ukrainian bureaucrats, Mexican drug cartels — Carlson’ team

According to the letter, Colonel Daniel Davis will explain in his interview with Tucker Carlson "how Donald Trump can finally end this conflict, why it never should have started"

Russia’s Su-35 fighter provides air cover for aircraft in Kursk Region — ministry

While on the mission, one of the fighter jets detected signals emitted by the enemy’s air defense radar, the ministry said

No other aircraft can surpass Su-57 — Indian pilot

Russia's newest multifunctional fifth-generation Su-57E fighter made its first demonstration flight at the Aero India-2025 international aerospace exhibition

Russian paratroopers evacuate civilians from Kursk Region’s Nikolayevo-Daryino

She specified that she was shot from a tank when she went upstairs to get food

Minsk-2 was concrete, realistic plan with clearly defined goals, Russian ambassador says

Boris Gryzlov stressed that "it served as the only effective tool for resolving the conflict and achieving lasting peace"

Russian forces containing Ukrainian troops near Volchansk in Kharkov Region

Russian forces continue to hold their positions and not letting Ukrainian troops "to advance deeper into our defenses," Vitaly Ganchev told

New Russian engine competes with western analogues

The UEC plans to cooperate in the development of the engine with Indian colleagues, Deputy CEO for sales and services Alexey Nesterenko added

US refrained from F-35, F16 flights at Indian show because of Su-57 — diplomat

Russia’s fifth-generation Su-57E fighter jets will for the first time be showcased at the Aero India international show

Russian, Israeli diplomats discuss situation in Middle East

"The sides exchanged views on regional and international problems that are on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council and General Assembly and that are of mutual interest," the Russian Foreign Ministry said

Russia, Turkey call for settling Ukrainian conflict through talks — Russian diplomat

Alexey Yerokhov recalled that from the very beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, Turkey has shown that it is for a political settlement

EU diplomacy chief’s plea to include Europe in Ukraine peace deal desperate — Russian MP

He stressed that the only real way to restore stability in Europe is the Russian president’s initiative to create a new architecture of Eurasian security and the recognition of territorial realities

Russia can defend peace based on legal results of WWII — Lavrov

Russia will "boost multifaceted cooperation with all sensible partners," the minister noted

Russian economy in 2024 not only survived, but showed high resilience — Deputy PM Novak

Alexander Novak also said that Russia is now in a period of "controlled economic cooling"

Baltics out of Russia's energy ring, Kaliningrad Region runs in autonomous mode

The agency noted that from 2016 to 2020, four new power generation facilities were constructed in the Kaliningrad Region

Russia’s Su-57E fighter jet steals the show at Aero India

At least a hundred journalists from Russian and foreign media outlets were present at the outdoor exhibition site featuring the Russian plane

UK sanctions six individuals, two companies linked to Russia — document

According to the list published on the website of the UK Foreign Office, London suspects the Russian company Zservers of being involved in "facilitating crippling ransomware attacks globally"

Minsk would be great venue for talks on Ukraine — Russian envoy

Last December, Belarusian Deputy Foreign Minister Yury Ambrazevich said that Minsk applied for participation in the peace talks on Ukraine, as its interests should be considered in the final agreements