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FBI concludes Epstein did not run prostitution network — AP

The FBI did not identify any links between Jeffrey Epstein’s payments and criminal activity

WASHINGTON, February 9. /TASS/. The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has concluded that US financier Jeffrey Epstein did not run a network providing underage sexual services to influential individuals, the Associated Press (AP) reported upon analyzing the documentation from the US Department of Justice.

The FBI meticulously examined Epstein’s bank records and emails, and conducted searches of his residences. Over several years, it interviewed his victims and investigated his connections with some of the world’s most powerful people. The Bureau concluded that the financier sexually abused underage girls but did not find sufficient evidence that he ran a prostitution network. For instance, the FBI did not identify any links between Epstein’s payments and criminal activity. Individuals interviewed by the Bureau’s agents reported that the sexual abuse was perpetrated not by Epstein, but by other people. FBI documentation states that there "was not enough evidence to federally charge these individuals, so the cases were referred to local law enforcement." Testimonies from some victims included false details about their contacts with Epstein. "No other victim has described being expressly directed by either [Gislaine] Maxwell or [Jeffrey] Epstein to engage in sexual activity with other men," the FBI reported.

On January 30, 2026, the US Department of Justice completed the release of over 3 million pages of documents, along with more than 2,000 videos and 180,000 photographs from Epstein’s dossier. Epstein, a convicted sex offender charged with pedophilia, was associated with numerous high-profile figures, including members of royal families, government officials, businessmen, diplomats, and scientists worldwide. Notably, Epstein’s acquaintances included the 42nd US President Bill Clinton and the current President Donald Trump. The full disclosure of Epstein’s dossier was mandated by a law passed by Congress in November 2025 and signed by Trump. Epstein’s criminal prosecution was discontinued following his death by suicide in his prison cell in August 2019.

Middle East conflict

Board of Peace must address root causes of Middle East conflict — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister emphasized that such consideration should include Israel, because the two-state solution was at stake

Former Socialist Party leader winning runoff presidential election in Portugal

Antonio Jose Seguro becomes the first candidate according to preliminary data after counting 70% of ballots

PREVIEW: XV Valdai Middle East Conference to be held in Moscow with Lavrov's participation

More than 50 experts and polititians from Russia and other countries will participate in the discussions

US losing influence, weight in global economy, global South rising — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, it is multipolarity that now defines the trajectory of global development

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

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

Russia sees Post-Soviet space as foreign policy priority — Lavrov

Particular attention is naturally paid to the CIS, the Eurasian Economic Union and the CSTO, the Russian foreign minister said

Russians still without Olympic medals: results of second day

Skier Yulia Pleshkova became the first Russian to compete for medals

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

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

Dmitriev draws attention to Czech PM's words about Britain's disruption of Ukraine talks

Andrej Babis had previously said that peace in Ukraine was within reach in April 2022, Special Representative of the Russian President mentioned

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

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

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

Work on unmanned tanks underway in Russia — Rostec

Work in this direction is underway all over the world, Bekhan Ozdoev, industrial director of the Rostec state corporation weapons cluster says

Starmer may resign next week — Bloomberg

The reason for such conversations was a scandal with the appointment of Peter Mandelson to the post of British ambassador to the US

Special military operation shows tank still indispensable in right place — Rostec

Modern warfare has become different, but tanks should not be written off? Bekhan Ozdoev, industrial director of the Rostec said

Thai PM’s party winning majority of seats in parliament

The prime minister’s Bhumjaithai is winning 174 seats in the House of Representatives, or the lower chamber of the National Assembly, according to Thailand’s Election Commission data after counting 91% of ballots

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

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

Majority of Thai citizens vote for changing constitution — referendum results

Elections Commission cited the results after counting 97% of ballots

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

Japan's ruling party shows best election result in its history

The LDP won 316 mandates, securing a constitutional majority, which opens the way in the future to changing the basic law

China, Russia contribute to creation of more inclusive international system — newspaper

Beijing and Moscow are working to strengthen the role of third countries in international institutions

Epstein case reveals real face of Western elites seeking to rule world — Lavrov

"It is unnecessary to explain to any normal person that this is pure Satanism and is beyond human comprehension," the Russian Foreign Minister added

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

This follows from the executive order signed by Donald Trump

Russia’s Almaz-Antey military equipment tops in efficiency, characteristics — expert

Many countries have expressed the desire to acquire it to strengthen their defense capabilities in the face of a complex geopolitical situation, Alexander Vedrov said

West invented 'shadow fleet' in fight for outgoing dominance — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, there is a struggle to preserve the old world order, which was based on the role of the US dollar and on the rules devised by the West

Zelensky wants to meet with Putin to mislead Ukrainians — MP

There is no expediency in such a meeting, first deputy chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on International Affairs said

Pantsir complexes shoot down targets of any complexity — Rostec

Also, along with the conventional missiles, mini-missiles can be used to increase ammunition and destroy drones in the near zone, says industrial director of the Rostec state corporation arms cluster Bekhan Ozdoyev

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

Russia develops high-noise-resistant barrage munition — Rostec

The new X-wing barrage munition is highly noise-resistant and maneuverable, says Bekhan Ozdoyev, industrial director of the Rostec state corporation arms cluster

BRICS initiatives not intended to spite US, independent mechanisms needed — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted a number of initiatives were adopted for implementation, "including alternative payment platforms, mechanisms for settlements in national currencies"

Georgia’s relations with EU remain at low level — PM

The Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze expressed hope that the European Union and its bureaucracy would be able to restore their sovereignty

City on Moon may appear in less than 10 years, Musk believes

SpaceX has already shifted focus to building a self-growing city there, claimes company's founder

Trump keeps anti-Russian laws adopted under Biden, introduces new sanctions — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister pointed out that in April 2025, the effect of Executive Order 14024 on the state of emergency was extended, "the core of which is sanctions against Russia, including the freezing of our gold and foreign currency reserves"

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

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

West should perceive Russia as part of Europe and resume negotiations with it — AfD leader

Tino Chrupalla said that contacts with Russia should be resumed

UAVs ineffective in case of massive hypersonic strike — Rostec

Bekkhan Ozdoyev, Arms Cluster Industrial Director of the state tech corporation, said that tanks "will be in greater demand in high-intensity war as the most resilient battlefield vehicles that maintain combat effectiveness"

Lancet-E strike system authorized for exports — developer

The system comprises a reconnaissance drone and three loitering munitions

Russia accepted US proposal on Ukraine, so crisis should be resolved — Lavrov

As the Russian foreign minister stressed, the position of the United States was important for Moscow

Russia and India cooperate in new directions — Russian ambassador

"We have specifically agreed to work together on the licensed production of the Superjet and on the purchase of a batch of Il-114 T-300 turboprop aircraft," Denis Alipov said

Russia not going to attack Europe, but ready to retaliate — Lavrov

Russia has absolutely no reason for attack, the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry stated

Kim Jong Un congratulated soldiers serving in Kursk Region

North Korean leader did that on the occasion of the Army's Founding Day

US should abandon double standards in relations with Russia — presidential candidate

The current US administration of Donald Trump needs "to take a step back from his aggressive rhetoric, says Diane Sare

OSCE crisis too deep because West preferred not to hear Russia for too long — envoy

It will be very difficult to get out of determined relations, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the OSCE Dmitry Polyansky said

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

Ukrainian forces attack Russia’s Belgorod Region using 60 drones over past 24 hours

According to the regional crisis center, the emergency services will begin repair work after coordination with the Russian Defense Ministry

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"

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"

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

Norwegian team leads medal standings after second day of Olympics

Country's athletes won three gold, one silver and two bronze medals

UAV detection system provides targeting for both Pantsir and Zubr — Rostec

The ACS also helps to determine coordinates of aerial objects

US policy on Ukraine should not be limited to profit — presidential candidate

The United States leaders need to reject the ‘might makes right’ or ‘peace through strength’ doctrine, Diane Sare said

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

Lavrov talks US reluctance to follow through with peace proposals, security architecture

While Russia and the United States could have embraced broader cooperation following the summit in Anchorage, the opposite trend has been observed

Russian S-400 air defense system effective in combating ATACMS — Almaz-Antey

Deputy General Director Alexander Vedrov said that "there are well-known facts of the successful experience of the combat use of the S-400 air defense system during the special military operation in Ukraine'

Howitzers show high efficiency during special military operation — Rostec

Their high degree of automation makes it possible to reduce the time for performing firing tasks to three minutes, industrial director of the Rostec state corporation weapons cluster said

Israel warns US it may strike Iran unilaterally — newspaper

According to The Jerusalem Post, representatives of the Israeli Defense Ministry conveyed this information to Pentagon officials last week

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

Russia says EU mired in militarism, crisis, where it drove itself with anti-Russia policy

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko says that Europre sees militarization of the economy as a driver of economic growth

Putin’s envoy anticipates UK PM’s soon resignation after his chief of staff stepped down

"Starmer’s ship is being quickly deserted", writed Kirill Dmitriev on his X page

Putin's initiative for Eurasian security architecture is gaining momentum — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that "the process of forming a Greater Eurasian Partnership is underway"

NATO, EU, OSCE outlive their time — Russian foreign minister

Sergey Lavrov noted that "Eurasia lacks a single overarching continental framework"

FPV drones of North battlegroup deprive enemy reconnaissance of ‘eyes’ near Kharkov

According to the Russian Defence Ministry, 11th Army Corps launch interceptor drones that destroy the blades of enemy "scouts"

Russia’s newest MLRS Sarma unveiled at World Defense Show

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

Putin, Lukashenko discuss current international issues over phone — Kremlin

The Russian President and his Belarusian counterpart held a telephone conversation

Europe keeps trying to harm Russia’s cooperation with Central Asian nations — Lavrov

Europe keeps trying to impose its approaches on the Eurasian continent, the Russian foreign minister said

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

Proton-M rocket with satellite to be launched from Baikonur on February 12

The launch was initially planned for December 15, 2025 but was postponed to fix shortcomings

Russia remains open to cooperation with US, while Americans create obstacles — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat pointed out that certain steps by Washington compelled Moscow to seek additional roots for the development of the financial, economic, integration, and logistical projects with BRICS countries

Germany is destroying its automobile industry, Putin says

"We should help them somehow," the Russian President added with a smile

IN BRIEF: Key details on detainees in assassination attempt against Russian general

Russia’s Federal Security Service said the detainees provided details of preparations for the assassination attempt against Lieutenant General Vladimir Alexeyev, carried out on orders from the Ukrainian Security Service

Ukraine loses Starlink station and 20 UAVs during day from actions of East battlegroup

Mikhail Gerasimov, an officer of the group's press center, claims Ukrainian army's loss of about 390 military personnel

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.

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

Significant amount of seized Ukrainian equipment analyzed — Russian Gen Staff deputy chief

Colonel General Vasily Trushin emphasized that "all identified features are promptly taken into account and are put to further use"

IN BRIEF: SVR on Western attempts to destabilize Belarus and weaken its ties with Russia

According to Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, the West is attempting to cultivate a pool of disaffected opposition figures to influence the 2030 presidential elections in Belarus, with Western plans involving conducting a comprehensive "inventory" of Belarusian opposition members

Board of Peace cannot be alternative to UN — European parliamentarian

Fernand Kartheiser called for support for the United Nations system

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

World watching effectiveness of Russian combat equipment — Unmanned Systems

According to Unmanned Systems, the Supercam S350 UAV has gained media popularity thanks to its impressive performance

Russia shoots down 69 Ukrainian UAVs over regions overnight

Most of them were shot down over the territory of the Kursk Region

West battlegroup’s mortars destroy Ukraine’s command posts, positions in Kupyansk district

Mortar crews received information about the location of enemy targets from the reconnaissance crews of unmanned systems troops in the 68th Sevastopol Motorized Rifle Division

Tanks with UAVs used for sniper destruction of single targets — Rostec

Bekhan Ozdoev said that all the latest versions of combat vehicles have been significantly improved in terms of fire control and sighting systems

Recon drones, loitering munitions help create effective strike systems — Rostec

Bekkhan Ozdoyev pointed to Supercam, Skat and Kub unmanned aerial vehicles that had helped ferret out and destroy thousands of enemy targets in the special military operation in Ukraine

Russia-Turkey relation reach strategic partnership level — Russian diplomat

He claimed energy, agriculture and torism to be the most promising areas of cooperation

US wants to suppress competitors with sanctions against Russian oil companies — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister stressed that unfair methods have been used against Moscow

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

Russia, Oman agree on importance of promoting further Iran-US talks

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamoud al-Busaidi held a telephone conversation

US now unprepared to implement its Alaska proposals on Ukraine — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister noted that Moscow accepted Washington’s proposal in Anchorage

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 must reliably ensure its security amid European threats to unleash war — Lavrov

The foreign minister stated that Russia will not allow the deployment on Ukrainian territory of any weapons that threaten Russian security interests

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

The cause of death was the oncological disease

US to control Russia's military-technical ties with India, other BRICS members — Lavrov

US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick said earlier that India's military purchases from Russia irritated the United States

Russia actively developing drones, but they won’t be only future weapon — Rostec

Bekkhan Ozdoyev added that "tanks will be in greater demand in high-intensity war, as the most resilient battlefield vehicles that maintain combat effectiveness even in the face of weapons of mass destruction"

West battlegroup shoots down 65 enemy UAVs in day — Russian Defense Ministry

Group's units also have destroyed 30 enemy unmanned aircraft control points

West unleashes global war against Russia — Lavrov

According to the Russian minister, one of the key objectives of Russia’s Foreign Ministry is to create the most favorable external conditions for the country's internal development and for improving the well-being of its citizens, the Russian foreign minister noted

Almost 80 mln Americans on alert for extreme cold temperatures

Notably, New York City is experiencing its coldest winter in more than 20 years

BRICS chaired by India to continue dialogue on trade relations development — Russian envoy

"We hope that the countries of the association will continue their efforts to create an alternative financial infrastructure," Denis Alipov added

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