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UK PM’s chief of staff resigns over Peter Mandelson scandal

The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong, McSweeney said in a statement cited by the Sky News television channel

LONDON, February 8. /TASS/. UK Prime Minister’s chief of staff Morgan McSweeney has resigned amid the scandal over the appointment of Peter Mandelson, who had friendly relations with Jeffrey Epstein, a US financier convicted of pedophilia, as ambassador to the United States.

"After careful reflection, I have decided to resign from the government. The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong. He has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself," McSweeney said in a statement cited by the Sky News television channel.

Israeli military strikes armed radicals in northern Gaza Strip

The Israel Defense Forces reported, that IDF troops operating in the northern Gaza Strip identified several terrorists who crossed the Yellow Line and approached the troops, posing an imminent threat to them

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

Kiev residents receive electricity for 1.5-2 hours a day due to energy problems — ministry

The Energy Ministry also pointed out that the situation in the country's energy system "remains extremely difficult"

Moscow court sends attacker in attempt on life of senior Russian general into custody

Earlier, Leonid Korba was arrested in Dubai where he had fled after the attack and extradited to Moscow

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

French politician slams Macron ‘most hated head of state in world’

The leader of the French Patriots party advised the French president to wait until his term ends and do nothing else

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

Russian forces establish control of two localities in past day — top brass

Russian forces struck fuel and energy facilities and transport infrastructure supporting Ukrainian troops and temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries in 145 locations

Belgorod Region governor comes under Ukrainian shelling while inspecting infrastructure

"Together with emergency response teams, we took shelter", Vyacheslav Gladkov reported

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

Diplomat doubts value of Olympics without participation of Russian, Belarusian teams

Russian Ambassador to Belarus Boris Gryzlov believes that it is impossible to fight for the top in ice hockey or biathlon without the Russian or Belarusian teams, favorites in these two sports, competing

Russian side’s protest against Olympic skiathlon results turned down

The judges reviewed the actions of French skier Mathis Desloges, who cut part of the distance on the last turn of one of the laps and finished second

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

UK PM’s chief of staff resigns over Peter Mandelson scandal

The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong, McSweeney said in a statement cited by the Sky News television channel

Fire breaks out at Tver Region commercial facility after drone attack

So far, no casualties were reported

US negotiations with Russia and Ukraine proceed well — Trump

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

Press review: UN urges flexible arms control and Xi pushes yuan as global reserve currency

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, February 3rd

Russian air defenses downed 22 Ukrainian drones

Eleven drones were downed in the Bryansk Region

Putin thanks UAE leader for assistance in detaining suspect in attack on Russian general

President Putin held a phone call with President of the United Arab Emirates Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan yesterday evening

PM slams Ukraine ‘Hungary’s enemy’ due to its demands to refuse oil, gas from Russia

Currently, Hungary receives most of its oil via the Druzhba pipeline and most of its gas via TurkStream and its branches through Bulgaria and Serbia

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

This would become a "political earthquake," the portal 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

Parliamentary elections, referendum to be held in Thailand

The voters will determine the composition of the House of Representatives, the lower chamber of the National Assembly

Battlegroup West destroyed 44 Ukrainian quadcopters

Furthermore, 33 Ukrainian drone control stations, five ammunition depots, four mortars and eight surface robotic systems were detected and destroyed

Innoprom. Saudi Arabia international exhibition to open in Riyadh

About 140 companies will represent Russia at the exhibition, including Rosatom, Roscosmos, Rostec and others

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"

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

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

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

Capacity of all NPPs in Kiev-controlled territory reduced — energy company

According to its information, energy facilities in eight regions of Ukraine were damaged, including power plants and substations in the electricity transmission and distribution systems

Ukrainian forces attack Bryansk Region with Neptune, HIMARS projectiles — governor

Alexander Bogomaz reported that two civilians were wounded

Russia, Middle East mulling joint production of fifth-generation warplanes

With the sides currently discussing the parameters of potential cooperation and distribution of competencies, it is too early to say exactly when these projects can be launched, the FSMTC specified

Ukraine’s Burshtyn thermal power station down — mayor

The city of Burshtyn was left without without water and heat

Ukraine's energy facilities suffer significant damage — Zelensky

Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that Russian servicemen launched a massive strike over the past day, including with Kinzhal missiles, targeting energy and transport infrastructure facilities used by the Ukrainian armed forces

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

Russia, Belarus expect record high turnover as of 2025 year-end

Almost all payments, over 95%, between Russia and Belarus are in national currencies, the Ambassador noted

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

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"

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

Iranian parliament to discuss talks with US on February 9

There is a possibility that the head of the Islamic Republic's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abbas Araghchi, will attend the meeting.

Over 80 Ukrainian drones downed over various Russian regions overnight

45 of them were destroyed over the Volgograd Region

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

The exact sum of the penalty is unknown at this point

Gunman who attempted to kill Russian general acted on Kiev’s instructions — investigators

According to Investigative Committee Spokeswoman Svetlana Petrenko, the gunman flew from Russia to the UAE hours after the attempt on the life of Lieutenant-General Vladimir Alekseyev

Swiss alpine skier Foehn Allmen becomes first champion of 2026 Olympics

The champion finished with a time of 1 minute 51.61 seconds

Archaeologist Butyagin unlikely to be released from Warsaw detention center — lawyers

The main hearings in the extradition case against the Russian scientist arrested in Poland may take place in late February or early March

Russia reports downing 27 Ukrainian HIMARS rockets, three Neptune missiles in past day

The Russian Armed Forces have destroyed 42 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles

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

Takeoff, landing restrictions triggered in three Russian airports

Restrictions are needed to ensure flight safety, the air regulator added

US helped win WWII, but for Washington it was all business — Kremlin

"The main burden in the fight against fascism and the biggest price for the victory in the fight against fascism was paid by our country, the Soviet Union," Dmitry Peskov stressed

Attacker and his accomplice in assassination attempt on Russian general nabbed — FSB

According to the FSB, Dubai extradited the attacker, Lyubomir Korba, born in 1960, who targeted Lieutenant-General Vladimir Alekseyev, to Russia

Kiev replaces battlefield failures with terror attacks on civilians in Russia — diplomat

According to Zakharova, the Kiev regime’s task is to be an instrument in the hands of those who are seeking to inflict a "strategic defeat on Russia"

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

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

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

Press review: Epstein files weigh on Trump and Bitcoin plunges with little hope ahead

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, February 2nd

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"

Anti-Russian sanctions make Europe totally dependent on US — European parliamentarian

Non-attached member of the European Parliament from Luxembourg Fernand Kartheiser noted, that The EU persists in its refusal to talk to Russia on a political or diplomatic level

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

Trump involves top brass in diplomatic efforts for Iran, Ukraine — AP

Both lines of talks are within the responsibility sphere of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, the news agency said

Second tour of presidential election to take place in Portugal

Andre Ventura, the leader of the right-wing political party Chega, and ex-secretary general of Socialist Party Antonio Jose Seguro, will compete in the presidential race

Trump genuinely desires to settle conflict with Iran peacefully — US ambassador to Israel

The next round of talks is expected early next week

EU to try to get rid of Orban at Hungary’s election — European parliamentarian

Non-attached member (NI) of the European Parliament from Luxembourg Fernand Kartheiser told, that the forthcoming election in Hungary are the now greatest challenge for the European Union

Iran briefs Russia, China on its talks with United States in Oman — top diplomat

The participation of regional countries in support of the talks was good, and we will continue consultations, the Islamic Republic’s top diplomat Abbas Araghchi said

Spoljaric re-elected as ICRC president for another four years

The members of the Assembly "unanimously recognized Spoljaric’s exceptional leadership" during a "particularly complex time" time for the world

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"

Sanctions against Russian sports likely coming to end — newspaper

The New York Times reported this, citing statements from sports officials

Organizer of terrorist attack that killed over 30 arrested in Pakistan — newspaper

The operation to capture the perpetrators was carried out in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province

Kiev delays ceasefire, waiting for US to shift focus to Congress’ elections — news outlet

The Strana news outlet also suggested that Kiev, with the help of its partners in the EU and Republicans in the US, wants to persuade American president Donald Trump to pressure Russia

Russian oil consumed by other markets — Novak

According to the Russian official, the balance on the market is generally preserved

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

Russia’s newest MLRS Sarma unveiled at World Defense Show

Saudi Arabia is hosting the defense expo from February 8-12

Lead singer of 3 Doors Down rock band died at the age of 47

The cause of death was the oncological disease

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

Lancet-E strike system authorized for exports — developer

The system comprises a reconnaissance drone and three loitering munitions

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

Kalashnikov Group begins production of 9-mm SR.2M submachine gun

The modernized 9-mm SR.2M submachine gun is an improved version of the SR2 pistol, developed by TsNIITochMash

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

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

This follows from the executive order signed by Donald Trump

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

Russia to showcase new armament at World Defense Show

The 300 mm caliber Sarma multiple launch rocket system will be for the first time demonstrated at the exhibition

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

Krasnopol precision munitions deliver accurate hits — Rostec

This pertains to projectiles for tubed artillery and rocket projectiles for MLRS, including guided ones, Industrial Director of Rostec armament cluster Bekhan Ozdoev told TASS

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

FACTBOX: What we know about detention of suspects in attack on senior Russian general

On February 6, an attempt on the life of Lieutenant-General Vladimir Alekseyev was carried out in northwestern Moscow

UK pianist offers figure skater Gumennik to use his music at Olympics amid rights trouble

Gumennik is a 23-year-old Russian champion and silver and bronze medalist at national championships

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"

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"

Police, anti-Olympics protesters clash in Milan — news agency

After a group of masked individuals began throwing stones and smoke bombs at police, authorities responded with water cannons and tear gas

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

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

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"

Press review: Russia, Ukraine talks move to new round as New START expires without renewal

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, February 4th

Senior Iranian diplomat meets with Russian, Chinese ambassadors after talks with US

Kazem Gharibabadi spoke with Alexey Dedov and Tsun Peiyu after the conclusion of the first phase of negotiations with the US on the Iranian nuclear dossier

Romania invited to attend Board of Peace first meeting — president

The Antena 3 television channel said earlier, citing sources that Romania was not panning to join the Board of Peace so far as it lacks $1 billion to pay the admission fee

WHO has all grounds not to recognize US’ withdrawal until it repays debts — diplomat

The diplomat stressed that the Russian side’s commitment to the "principles of real multilateralism, equality-based partnership, and support for the UN system as a basis of the present-day world order does not depend on politically-motivated decisions by some countries"

Russian Army has most success on front line in Zaporozhye — expert Marochko

This week, Russian forces have continued fighting in Konstantinovka and Krasny Liman in the DPR and in Kupyansk in the Kharkov Region, Marochko added

Figure skater Gumennik changes music for short program at Olympics

The men's short program is scheduled for February 10, and the free skate will be presented on February 13

Ukrainian forces attack Belgorod with ten missiles, injuring two people — governor

According to Vyacheslav Gladkov, two commercial and infrastructure facilities, 38 cars, three apartments in two apartment buildings, and 12 private houses were damaged in the city

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

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"

The Guardian reports on phone call between person close to Trump, foreign intelligence

The US National Security Agency detected such telephone call as early as last spring, the newspaper said in its article

Japan’s ruling coalition led by PM Takaichi wins lower house majority in vote — exit poll

While the LDP is also likely to secure an individual lower house majority of over 233 seats, the ruling coalition can win a constitutional majority