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SpaceX, xAI compete for Pentagon contract to develop autonomous drone swarms — Bloomberg

The winning project with a $100 mln investment can end up with a technology using voice commands for multiple drones

NEW YORK, February 16. /TASS/. Elon Musk’s companies, SpaceX and xAI, have entered a closed Pentagon technology competition to develop a technology for controlling drone swarms using voice commands, Bloomberg reported citing sources.

The participation of two of Musk's companies in the development of AI-supported weapons marks a new and potentially controversial stage for the businessman, the agency writes. Musk’s companies are among a select few participants in the competition launched in January with a $100 million fund. The initiative aims to create a technology capable of translating voice commands into digital instructions for simultaneously controlling multiple drones in the air and at sea.

The development under this defense initiative will proceed in five phases ranging from software creation to field testing. The organizers are the Defense Innovation Unit and the Autonomous Battle Group, established under the second administration of Donald Trump.

Musk has previously advocated for a ban on the use of offensive autonomous weapons capable of independently selecting and engaging targets.

Explosion reported in southern Ukrainian city of Odessa

The city is witnessing a partial blackout, a local media outlet says

EU to save face by using frozen Russian assets to rebuild Gaza Strip — RSPP head

Alexander Shokhin noted that such a project could involve the participation of Russia, the United States, and the European Union

US Department of Justice publishes list of 300 celebrities who appear in Epstein files

Prince Harry, Kim Kardashian, Kurt Cobain, and Bruce Springsteen are among the names mentioned

Head of Armenian regulator backs idea of connecting to power systems of Turkey, Azerbaijan

The operation of power systems of the two countries will provide greater flexibility to control from the engineering standpoint and will provide economic benefits, Mesrop Mesropyan noted

Gazprom Board to discuss prospects of gas exports to Asia-Pacific countries

Gazprom directors will also consider development of the company’s mineral and feedstock base and prospects of gas production in Russia

Russian deputy foreign minister cautions against 'locking' Russian fleet

Sergey Ryabkov said that "if somebody assumes 'experiments' may be continued, it may have a sad end"

Swiss embassy issues visas to Russian journalists for negotiations in one day

The visas are issued for the dates of the trip

Press review: Ukraine talks in Geneva shape settlement as Russia explores MERCOSUR deal

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, February 16th

Russia did not abandon dollar, the US restricted transactions with it — Kremlin

"If the dollar is attractive, then, of course, everyone will return to using it, including alongside other currencies," Dmitry Peskov added

Military-civil administration controls 35 of 80 of Kharkov Region’s liberated localities

Vitaly Ganchev, the administration head, added that people continue to reside in this area

Russian troops advance West of Orekhov in Zaporozhye Region — military expert

Andrey Marochko said the liberation of Orekhov is "a key to Zaporozhye city"

Russian House in Chisinau to operate until summer of 2026 — cooperation agency head

Yevgeny Primakov recalled that in December 2025, Moscow was officially notified by the Moldovan side about the decision not to renew the agreement on the establishment and operation of cultural centers

Russian Finance Ministry to sell FX and gold worth $2.96 bln in February-March

The daily volume of foreign currency and gold sales will amount to the equivalent of $155 mln

Russia response to Putin residence attack hit Ukraine military facilities — Galuzin

On the night of December 29 Kiev carried out an attack against President Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod Region

Over 100 injured, 14 killed in Ukrainian strikes over past week — diplomat

Rodion Miroshnik noted that Kiev’s attacks using strike drones were the most frequent cause of civilian deaths and injuries, adding that last week alone, such drone raids wounded 92 people, accounting for roughly 72% of all casualties

Lithuania outlines priorities of its EU council presidency

President Gitanas Nauseda stressed that for Ukraine to become a full member by 2030, further negotiations and political determination are needed, emphasizing that this was ditto for Moldova

Geneva talks to cover all key issues, including territories — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said this is why the presence of Russia's chief negotiator, Vladimir Medinsky, is required

Ukrainian fighters blame command after bulk of their regiment destroyed — source

Local militants blame the staff command for leaking coordinates to the Russian side

Sergey Ivanov removed as permanent member of Russia’s Security Council

In early February, Sergey Ivanov was relieved of his post as special representative of the head of state on environmental protection, ecology and transport

Niger seeks buyers for its uranium, including in Russia, minister says

Ousmane Abarchi added that Niger had the right to sell its uranium to whomever it wished, but intended to work only with responsible parties

Loss of Kupyansk-Uzlovoi strips Kiev of chance to counterattack from the south — official

Igor Kimakovsky noted that Kupyansk-Uzlovoi served as the primary logistical hub for Ukrainian operations in this sector of the front

Large Flamingo missile production line destroyed in Ukraine, Zelensky admits

Vladimir Zelensky added that he could speak about this because the incident occurred some time ago

West’s role in bloody coup in Ukraine must be remembered — Peskov

Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that after 2014 everything changed

Over 600 Palestinians killed in Gaza Strip as result of ceasefire violations by Israel

According to the enclave’s health ministry, two people were killed and eleven sought medical assistance during the past day

Trump's decree on Cuba's oil blockade is 'completely insane' — ambassador

The decree absolutely contradicts international law, Viktor Koronelli said

Conflict between president and parliament aggravates in Moldova

According to experts, this crisis might end up in either the resignation of the president or early parliamentary elections

Bank of Russia sets dollar rate at 76.62 rubles for February 17

The official euro rate was lowered by 52.07 kopecks to 91.0368 rubles

Russia still trying to nail down Board of Peace mission — senior diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov, Moscow has been quite open about its position on the Board of Peace

European nuclear umbrella not top priority, Bundestag committee head says

Armin Laschet said there are more urgent tasks, including raising defense spending and strengthening the economy

Gas tank caught fire in Dagestan, one man died — emergency services

Sixty-three people and nineteen vehicles are engaged in firefighting, the Main Department for Emergency Situations of the region added

Scientists forecast complete melting of glacier, which they use to analyze climate

The Aldegonda Glacier has lost about 20% of its mass, scientists say

Zelensky devises election manipulations in Ukraine — Russian deputy foreign minister

Mikhail Galuzin noted that Vladimir Zelensky has begun speculating about a willingness to organize elections and even a referendum on territorial issues

First Russian athletes return home from 2026 Winter Games in Italy

Russian lugers Daria Olesik and Pavel Repilov with their assisting staff arrived at the Moscow Vnukovo airport

Georgia holds televised debates on potential EU membership

The event was initiated by the opponent of Georgia joining the EU, NATO Vakhtang Shakarisjvili

Press review: Ukraine seeks EU accession in 2027 and Germany urges Russian energy return

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, February 13th

Russian defense firm to offer Tigr armored vehicles with enhanced anti-mine protection

The upgraded vehicle’s mine resistance will grow more than three-fold

Ukraine's hardest attack: Bryansk Region recovering after UAV raid

More than 170 fixed-wing drones were shot down over the region

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

Hockey legend Phil Esposito says 'it's a disgrace' Russia not at Olympics

In February 2022, the IIHF suspended Russia and Belarus from participation in international competitions

Russian delegation to arrive in Geneva on February 17 — source

According to the source, the delegation will fly back on Wednesday evening

Rosatom delivered uranium, gold mining target for 2025

First Deputy CEO of Rosatom Nedra Alexey Shemetov said that commercial operation of the Severnoye goldfield in Yakutia kicked off

Russia ranks third in terms of share of total value of gas imports to EU in 2025

In total, the European Union purchased around 13.2 bln euros worth of gas from Russia

Navalny poisoning story disrupts West-Russia dialogue — ambassador to Germany

Sergey Nechayev said there are too many in the West who are all-in on conflict with Russia

So far, only Russia has allocated $1 billion to Palestine — Kremlin

"This fact is of great significance and should not be overlooked," Dmitry Peskov said

Belarus to stay loyal to Russia even after Lukashenko out as president — agency

"The key thing is that Russia supports Belarus in its time of need and doesn’t turn its back on Belarus," the Belarusian leader pointed out

BRICS working to create precious metals exchange — Russian diplomat

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov noted that there is also an idea to create a platform designed to work in special economic zones

Russia, Ukraine discuss return of Kursk Region residents — ombudswoman

Tatyana Moskalkova said that the Ukrainians rescued by Russia from the war zone and taken to a safe place have already left for their homeland, provided they had documents

Ukrainian army chief points to difficult situation in Gulyaipole area

Russia’s Defense Ministry earlier reported having thwarted the rotation of Ukrainian soldiers

Kremlin agrees with Fico’s assertion oil has become subject of blackmail — spokesman

Dmitry Peskov stressed that it was impossible to interpret the situation any other way

Russian troops cut off Ukrainian army’s logistics in Konstantinovka — DPR head

Russian troops have advanced towards Dobropolye, Denis Pushilin added

Putin creates national committee for business cooperation in BRICS

Deputy head of the Russian presidential administration Maxim Oreshkin became the head of the committee

Kremlin spokesman to marry? No comment, says Peskov

Russian Olympic figure-skating champion Tatiana Navka, 40, said her wedding with Peskov, 47, would take place in Sochi, venue of the 2014 Winter Olympics, on August 1

Man ties to cut off his hand with grinder to evade being drafted to army

According to it, the man suffered serious injuries and is currently in the hospital

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 170 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed 18 enemy motor vehicles in its areas of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

European leaders deluding themselves hoping for Ukraine’s victory over Russia — Orban

The hungarian prime minister says that Western politicians are firmly committed to supporting Ukraine "until Russia is exhausted"

Senior Russian MP advises Polish president against flexing ‘nuclear muscles’

Poland, in his words, will never be able to obtain nuclear weapons "either from the political or military-technical point of view"

Russia-China contacts yield visible results — Chinese ambassador

Zhang Hanhui says he hopes for a growth of the tourist flow amid a mutual abolition of visa requirements

Five municipalities, Bryansk left without power, heating after Ukraine’s attack

According to the governor, repair works are underway

Russian presidential aide proposes creating unified ship engine technology body

Nikolay Patrushev suggested that heads of the Krylov State Research Center and the St. Petersburg Marine Technical University to put forward proposals on setting up such a competence center

Ukraine continues to block oil supplies from Russia to Hungary — Szijjarto

Commenting on reports of the suspension of oil supplies to Slovakia and Hungary through Ukrainian territory, the Hungarian foreign minister noted that "the Druzhba pipeline was not damaged as a result of the latest strikes"

Claims of Navalny's poisoning are Western propaganda hoax — Russian MFA

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has dismissed claims that blogger Alexey Navalny was poisoned with frog-derived poison

Russian diplomat urges to condemn Zelensky over remarks on Russian athletes

"The moment when a supposed president of a country says something like this, thousands of international officials should shout ‘catch the nazi’ in unison, and millions of human rights advocates organize protests against neo-Nazism," Maria Zakharova said

Russian lawmaker urges Rutte not to hurl threats at world's largest nuclear power

Leonid Slutsky emphasized the dangers of such rhetoric, noting that issuing such threats is profoundly reckless

Moscow to return all historically Russian lands to their 'rightful home' — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat stressed that linguistic, cultural and religious rights of those who remain under Kiev’s authority must be restored

SpaceX, xAI compete for Pentagon contract to develop autonomous drone swarms — Bloomberg

The winning project with a $100 mln investment can end up with a technology using voice commands for multiple drones

Revenues from Russian tourists reach $2.5 bln in 2023 — Tourism Authority of Thailand

Thailand expects 40 mln foreign tourists coming this year, which may bring revenues of 2.3 trillion baht ($60 bln)

More than 70 countries to participate in Milan naval exercise in eastern India

Russia will be represented at the maneuvers by the Russian Pacific Fleet frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov

Russian troops liberated 12 settlements in the first half of February — military chief

Over 200 square kilometers of territory have come under their control, Valery Gerasimov said

US, China, India among top three countries in AI competitiveness — Indian envoy to Russia

Stanford University's Global AI Vibrancy Tool has ranked India third in the world for AI competitiveness, behind only the US and China, and ahead of established technology leaders such as South Korea, Japan, and the UK, Vinay Kumar said

IN BRIEF: What is known about preparations for upcoming talks in Geneva

The Russian delegation for the upcoming negotiations in Geneva will be expanded

Cabinet in Russia discussing biometric age verification with marketplaces

The system allows the buyer to be remotely identified through a facial image or fingerprint

Bryansk Region withstands heaviest UAV attack

"The Ukrainian army’s terrorist actions resulted in damage to energy infrastructure facilities," the region's governor stated

Russia increases mackerel imports by 14% in value terms in 2025

Russian mackerel imports in 2025 reached 70,000 tons worth $160 mln

UN chief condemns Israel’s decision to resume land registration in West Bank

According to Antonio Guterres, this policy "is eroding the prospect for the two-State solution"

At 46 and 18, mother and son make Olympic history by both competing in Milan

Sarah Schleper earlier became the first ever female alpine skier to compete in seven Winter Olympic Games

Russian e-commerce turnover surge six-fold recently — PM

Mikhail Mishustin said that digital platforms are proactively developing, linking sellers and buyers

Bank of Russia to study influence of marketplaces on inflation and its expectations

The effect of online trade and marketplaces on rigidity of prices and transmission of price shocks of producers will also be assessed

Bank of Russia not taking part in talks on return to dollar payments for exports

Central Bank chief Elvira Nabiullina added that the regulator is not expecting a new inflation wave in Russia

Lukashenko says offered US ideal scenario for Venezuela, but they 'did silly thing'

According to the Belarusian president, Washington chose to go its own way

Russia ready to discuss idea of Ukraine’s temporary external governance — Galuzin

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin believes that such a step "would make it possible to hold democratic elections in Ukraine, bring to power a capable government with which a full-fledged peace treaty could be signed"

Ukraine's foreign mercenaries commit worst abuses against Kharkov residents

Vitaly Ganchev, head of the Kharkov Military-Civil Administration, added that the foreigners avoid open clashes with the Russian army

Destruction of Lasar Group plant deals serious blow to Ukraine's war effort — expert

According to Alexander Stepanov, the higher-ups within Lasar's Group, which has a broad network of industrial sites, has until now been "greatly favored by Kiev’s leadership, not least due to corruption-related interests"

West succeeded in making Ukraine European in terms of Nazism — diplomat

Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova says that Moscow has always regarded Ukraine "as a sovereign, independent state"

Zelensky's accusations cannot force Hungary to approve Ukraine's EU accession — PM

Viktor Orban warned that his government would not change its stance on the issue

Moscow, Astana discuss dates for Putin’s 2026 visit to Kazakhstan — ambassador

Russia’s ambassador to Astana Alexey Borodavkin also pointed out that work is underway on the substantive agenda of the talks

Russian embassy calls Western claims about Navalny's poisoning circus act, propaganda

The embassy further criticized the coordinated efforts of Western media outlets, political figures, and intelligence agencies, describing them as servile and complicit

Revocation of visas, dialogue with Iran, and Ukrainian settlement: Rubio’s statements

Washington is "going to continue doing everything" it can to settle the Ukrainian crisis, the US Secretary of State said

Taking Tsvetkovoye creates base for liberation of Zaporozhye region — Defense Ministry

The ministry noted that during the liberation of Tsvetkovoye, the enemy lost a large number of personnel and military equipment

Canadian ice-hockey legend Esposito eyes Moscow trip to receive his Friendship Award

The two-time Stanley Cup champion vowed to come to Moscow and receive the award personally from the Russian president

Russian GDP up 1% in 11M 2025 — Economy Ministry

In November, the GDP was 0.1% above the last-year level after 1.6% in October, the ministry said

US plans to introduce 133% tax on palladium imports from Russia — company

According to the statement, the US Department of Commerce has issued "a preliminary affirmative determination"

Estonia Foreign Ministry summons Russian ambassador over Putin’s comments on Narva

On June 9, the Russian President said that Peter I did not seize any Swedish territories during the Great Northern War but "got them back"

Ukraine evacuates Kupyansk residents as Russian army advances — administration head

Vitaly Ganchev said said the Kharkov Regional State Administration with the help of the military is in touch with the civilians, trying to provide them with everything they need or organize an evacuation

Ukraine loses 2,000 mercenaries, elite forces personnel in Gulyaipole — expert

Andrey Marochko noted that, having neutralized all enemy threats, Russian fighters created fire pockets for them in this sector of the front, destroying a large group of the Ukrainian armed forces

Bank of Russia to study AI effect on economy, competition

The regulator is going to look at the consequences of broad application of these methods for the economy and its structure, innovations and productivity, the labor market and inequality across households in terms of incomes

Russian delegation heading to Geneva and difficult dialogue with US: Ryabkov's statements

As the Russian senior diplomat reiterated, Moscow proceeds from the understanding that agreements on the Ukrainian settlement must eliminate the root causes of the conflict and be durable in nature

Europe chooses to remain deceived due to dependence on US — Chinese political scientist

Wang Yiwei said transatlantic ties would be more accurately compared not to relations between spouses but between parents and children

Ukrainian forces suffer significant losses they unable to replace — Russian military chief

The Ukrainian armed forces are relying primarily on drones, Valery Gerasimov said

Israel tests David's Sling air defense system from naval surface ship

According to the Israeli Defense Ministry, the system underwent a series of tests designed to assess its effectiveness in various combat scenarios against current and future threats

Azerbaijani-Russian trade turnover down 40.5% in January 2026

The trade turnover between the two countries totaled $411.813 mln in the reporting period

Putin popular in Russia across all age groups — Peskov

Russian presidential spokesman also noted that Vladimir Putin enjoys the trust of citizens of very different ages