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

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

US government to release files on aliens, UFOs — Trump

The president explains that the decision was made amid a "tremendous interest shown"

WASHINGTON, February 20. /TASS/. The US government will begin declassifying documents on extraterrestrial life and unidentified flying objects (UFOs), US President Donald Trump said.

"Based on the tremendous interest shown, I will be directing the Secretary of War [Pete Hegseth], and other relevant Departments and Agencies, to begin the process of identifying and releasing Government files related to alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), and unidentified flying objects (UFOs), and any and all other information connected to these highly complex, but extremely interesting and important, matters," he wrote on Truth Social.

Earlier, Trump said that former US President Barack Obama (2009-2017) had disclosed classified information by recently stating that aliens exist. At the same time, the current American leader declined to clarify whether this meant he was confirming the existence of extraterrestrial civilizations.

In an interview on February 14, Obama said that aliens existed. Shortly afterward, he published a statement clarifying that "the universe is so vast that the odds are good there's life out there." He also added that during his presidency he saw no evidence that aliens had made contact with humans.

Venezuela’s authorized president signs law granting amnesty to political prisoners

Delcy Rodriguez thanked the legislators, officials for an "exceptional political maturity"

Russia should not lose achievements it obtained under sanctions — Medvedev

According to Dmitry Medvedev, this ultimately develops competencies that will be in demand in the country in the future

Trump extends anti-Russian sanctions related to Ukraine for one year

"The actions and policies addressed in these Executive Orders continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States," the US leader said

Ukraine loses over 520,000 troops in 2025 — Russian General Staff

Sergey Rudskoy says total loss of Ukrainian servicemen is estimated at more than 1,5 million

Russian troops strike Ukrainian army’s energy infrastructure over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted roughly 350 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Russia’s Filippov wins silver at 2026 Winter Olympics in Ski Mountaineering

Nikita Filippov is the first out of 13 athletes representing Russia under a neutral status at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games to win an Olympic medal

Ukrainian soldiers blow up ferry in Dnepropetrovsk Region to skip combat — defense source

According to the source, it were soldiers of the Ukrainian army’s 67th brigade

Der Spiegel claims perpetrators of Nord Stream blasts acted without US approval

The magazine further claims that the saboteurs received private funding from Ukraine

US forces move to Middle East, preparations for strike: escalation around Iran

According to sources, the Pentagon is increasing its military presence in the region by sending additional ships, air defense systems and submarines

Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia pledge to allocate over $4 bln to support Gaza Strip

On January 22, representatives of 19 countries signed the charter establishing the Board of Peace for Gaza in a ceremony on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos

Geneva results, venue for next round, no sense in Europe’s participation: Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said that Russian President Vladimir Putin has already been briefed by the negotiating team on the results of the Geneva talks

Many issues to address Ukrainian crisis mulled in Geneva — Russian deputy foreign minister

The talks between Russia, the United States and Ukraine were held in Geneva on February 17-18

US government to release files on aliens, UFOs — Trump

The president explains that the decision was made amid a "tremendous interest shown"

Kallas tenure not 'golden age' of European diplomacy, Kremlin believes

Dmitry Peskov commented on the "list of demands" to Moscow compiled by Kallas that requires reduction of the army and payments from Russia

Russia’s Petrosyan finishes 6th in women’s figure skating at 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy

US' Alysa Liu won the gold in women’s singles

Sanctions harm US in the long run, says Russian Direct Investment Fund chief

The bill in question was presented on Wednesday by a group of US lawmakers

Press review: Board of Peace to fund Gaza and Israel accused of annexing West Bank

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, February 19th

Trump says Iran deal won't come easy, but talks going well

The US president reiterated that Washington will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons and claimed that Tehran is still entertaining the idea

Russia to test Internet provider drone similar to Starlink — newspaper

According to the newspaper, the drone will operate at an altitude of 15 to 24 kilometers

Trump says 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil en route to US

The US has oil as well but "we’re helping them a lot," the president says

At least 5,000 police to provide security in Gaza — head of Committee for Administration

Ali Shaath said the priorities include four categories

Zelensky actively sabotages peace process — Russian top senator

Valentina Matviyenko says Vladimir Zelensky "rejects any substantive basis for a peace agreement"

Liberating Krinichnoye, Russian troops penetrate Ukraine’s defenses — expert

Andrey Marochko believes that, given the operational and tactical situation in this area, Russian forces will continue denting the enemy defenses at Krinichnoye

‘The Mask’ actor Peter Greene died from gunshot wound — medical examiner

On December 13, the 60-year-old actor was found dead in his New York apartment

Russian, Chinese, Iranian envoys meet with IAEA chief, urge diplomatic solution for Iran

The joint statements call for a solution to "all existing problems"

Russia ready to increase agricultural exports to Madagascar

Trading in mineral fertilizers is also a promising area of cooperation

No plan B for Gaza, it will re-ignite conflict — Rubio

The US secretary of state said that no one wants going back to war

FACTBOX: King’s brother, former Prince Andrew, arrested in UK

The former prince was arrested on his 66th birthday

Trump expects Russia, China join Gaza stabilization process

The US leader announced that Washington is planning to contribute $10 billion to the activities of the Board of Peace

Upgraded Khrizantema-M antitank missile accelerates to hypersonic speed — Rostec

According to the holding company representative, this missile is being used in the special military operation zone in Ukraine

Poland not seeking to possess nuclear weapons — defense minister

Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz says that the country will develop the nuclear sector still

EU losing its last safety net in form of UGS reserves in political arena — expert

Nikolay Gaponenko is convinced that the current situation is not a disaster, but rather a normal one, signaling a rapid rate of reserve depletion and allowing for conclusions about the emerging key risks

Special military op’s goal is to ensure peace for decades to come — Medvedev

The special military operation continues and it will undoubtedly be seen through to the end, the politician emphasized

Talks on Ukraine do not allow for public discussion — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov refrained from going into details, commenting on the trilateral talks in Geneva

International forces in Gaza to include troops from Albania, Indonesia, Kazakhstan

Egypt and Jordan have committed to train police

Casualties in Bryansk Region, fire at oil depot: Ukraine’s overnight drone strike

Two civilians were injured as a result of a massive attack by a fixed-wing jet drone on the Bryansk Region, Governor Alexander Bogomaz said

Bushehr nuclear plant remains priority for Rosatom — CEO

Rosatom has developed security plans for the Bushehr plant in view of escalation in the region, Alexey Likhachev added

Dmitriev denies Russia offered the US $12 trillion worth projects

According to the CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, the lifting of sanctions will be eventually dictated by Washington's interests

Reigning champion Rublev powers into Qatar Open semis

The 2026 Qatar Open Tennis tournament is an ATP-500 event on the organization’s calendar which takes place at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash complex in Doha, Qatar, between February 16 and 21

Trump announces plans for symbiotic relationship between Board of Peace, UN

The US president said that Washington was planning to provide financial support to the global organization and help modernize its infrastructure

Deliveries of Upyr-18 drone to Russian military to increase substantially

According to CEO of Uraldronzavod Plant Vladimir Tkachuk, the company’s other innovation is being considered by the enemy as a "strike by an unknown type of UAV"

Russia’s international reserves gain $8.6 bln in one week to $806 bln — Central Bank

As of February 6, the country’s reserves totaled $797.5 bln

Deployment of Russian orbital station planned to begin in 2028 — first deputy premier

Denis Manturov said it will become a key platform for deep space missions, including the creation of a Russian lunar base

Iranian-flagged container ship detained in Denmark — TV

The vessel is currently anchored east of Albaek in the northernmost part of Jutland

Rare leaks about Geneva talks on Ukraine may indicate positive dynamics — TV

According to the report, the talks in Geneva were "substantive"

Russian army stocked with 70% modern weapons — official

First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov said that continuous modernization of models and the development of advanced weapons is under way

IMF takes not of moderate contraction of US dollar share in international reserves

The IMF also pointed to the dollar depreciation against other currency from peak values of 2024

Trump yet to make final call regarding strike against Iran — CNN

A meeting on this topic involving high-ranking officials was reportedly held at the White House on February 18

Russian forces step up strikes on Ukrainian military enterprises — General Staff

Sergey Rudskoy says the measures cut Ukraine’s capabilities to equip its army

Europe wants to extend fighting in Ukraine as long as possible — Russian MFA

"At present, no real constructive contribution from the Europeans is visible, because their position makes it impossible," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated

Ukraine to resume oil pumping to Slovakia on Saturday

Slovakia expected that deliveries would resume this Friday

US interested in lifting anti-Russian sanctions due to lucrative projects — Putin's envoy

Kirill Dmitriev stressed that the portfolio of potential Russia-US projects exceeds $14 trillion

Europe in decline, other kind of war: statements by Lavrov

Sergey Lavrov stressed that Russia is ready to engage with reasonable and pragmatic counterparts

EU ministerial meeting in Luxemburg is unlikely to lift anti-Russian sanctions

"Ukraine or sanctions against Russia are not part of the agenda", Russian representative to EU says

Medvedev says Russia not doing enough in microelectronics

The senior official stressed the need for Russia to fully provide for itself in certain, particularly important, strategic sectors

Defense minister says Israeli military to stay in Gaza forever

Israel will not allow "threats of annihilation" in the future, Defense Minister Israel Katz says

Board of Peace first meeting: What is known about organization at this point

The Board of Peace is currently focused on settling the conflict in the Gaza Strip

Trilateral negotiations on Ukraine hard, but continue — Russian deputy foreign minister

Mikhail Galuzin admitted that he would like "to reserve his personal impressions for some other occasion"

Israeli planes attack Hezbollah bases in mountainous areas near Syrian border — TV

Eyewitnesses reported powerful explosions in the vicinity of the village of Al-Nabi Shayth

Italian journalist detained in Turkey on mission to investigate isolation prisons

International Reporters’ official says the organization witnesses a second detention of its journalist in six months

Ukrainian neo-Nazism threatens global community — Grushko

Alexander Grushko emphasized that Russia "consistently combats terrorism and manifestations of Nazism and opposes any revision of the outcomes of World War II"

Interpol ends prosecution of Yevgeny Prigozhin’s Concord company

Interpol ended this prosecution starting from August 28

UK will not let US use its bases for strike on Iran — newspaper

According to the sources, the UK authorities are to ban the use of the facilities due to a concern that a US strike would constitute "a breach of the international law."

US lacks air defenses in Middle East for Iran operation — NBC

According to sources, the Pentagon is building up its military presence in the region by sending additional ships, air defense systems and submarines there

Trump expects clarity on possible US-Iran nuclear deal within ten days

According to the US president, the sides "may have to take it a step further"

Medvedev praised import substitution in Russian defense industry

The deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council noted that this often happens because there is no other choice

Estonian special services detain leader of Koos group, Russian national — report

They are accused of conducting anti-constitutional activities

Ukrainian official declares he found over $653,000 in his grandmother's garage

Alexander Subbotenko characterized the practice of keeping savings in US dollars as a "family custom"

Conflict in Ukraine to end when one of the sides is 'exhausted' — Merz

According to the German chancellor, resuming normal relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin is "practically impossible"

Russian sailors take part in international parade at opening of Milan exercise in India

Spectators in the stands greeted the Russian sailors with warm applause, while the parade host highlighted the rich history and cultural heritage of the Russian Navy and the frigate that had arrived for the exercises

Four people hurt in oil well fire in Samara Region

The fire was extinguished on an area of 20 square meters

Board of Peace to focus not only on Gaza, but other hotspots as well — Trump

The US president added that the Board of Peace would work with the UN

US could launch limited strike on Iran to push for nuclear deal — WSJ

The sources say that the potential strike could target military and government buildings

Russia’s manufacturing output rises by more than 23% over five years

During this period, more than 21 trillion rubles were invested in fixed capital in the manufacturing sector, Denis Manturov noted

Russian diplomat dismisses claims that US brought Russia, Ukraine to negotiating table

The terminology itself is hardly appropriate from a diplomatic point of view, Maria Zakharova said

US gathers largest air force group in region since Iraq invasion — media

This buildup would allow Washington to conduct military operations against Iran for several weeks, the newspaper said

Russian Transport Ministry take support measures for ports of Gulf of Finland

A diesel-powered icebreaker already arrived in the Gulf of Finland, Andrey Nikitin noted

Senior Russian, Cuban defense officials discuss military-technical cooperation

Further steps have been outlined for cooperation between the Russian Ministry of Defense and the Cuban side

Board of Peace necessary, because other organizations fail to keep global peace — Orban

The Hungarian prime minister said that new initiatives are needed to bring forward the issue of peace globally

European Commission should defend EU interests, not Ukraine’s — top Hungarian diplomat

Peter Szijjarto says that the authority must also make Croatians understand the obligation to fully import Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia

Russia sees no point in involving EU in negotiations on Ukraine — Kremlin

It can hardly be of any help, Dmitry Peskov said

Trump says gets on well with Putin

The US president complained that he had underestimated the complexity of resolving the crisis in Ukraine

Talks of Russia, Madagascar presidents over after two and half hours

The meeting included talks with a limited circle of delegates and a working breakfast with the expanded circle of delegates

Russian defense minister holds talks with visiting Madagascar counterpart

Andrey Belousov said that a lot of work had been done

US fails to issue visas to Belarusian delegation for Board of Peace meeting

Minsk has completed all the necessary procedures, according to the Belarusian Foreign Ministry

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 returns to electronic engineering pool — first deputy PM

Denis Manturov added that Russia should master the new lithography machine for 130 nanometers

Europe blocks peace following Alaska summit — Russia’s former PM

Sergey Stepashin says believes that the summit was a breakthrough

'Concrete issues' on agenda of Putin’s meeting with top Cuban diplomat — Kremlin

During his visit to Russia, Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla held talks with the entire Russian leadership

Netanyahu warns Iran of response it ‘cannot even imagine’ if it attacks Israel

Israel demands that Iran destroy the uranium enrichment infrastructure, cut the missile program, stop helping the allies, the official says

Putin meets with visiting Madagascar leader Michael Randrianirina

The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral cooperation in various spheres and a range of current issues on the international and regional agenda

Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Gulf countries allocate $7 billion to rebuild Gaza — Trump

The Board of Peace was created on January 22, when 19 countries signed its charter. It was established as part of a peaceful settlement in the Gaza Strip

Hungarian PM voices concern over possible US withdrawal from talks on Ukraine

The US might "pack up and leave", Viktor Orban says after a session of the Board of Peace

Retail lending growth accelerates to 0.8% in January — Bank of Russia

Corporate lending in January contracted by 0.9% after the decline by 0.6% in December 2025

Russia delivers Terminator combat vehicles to African country — military cooperation chief

The Terminator is a multi-purpose heavily armored and armed tracked fire support fighting vehicle that features advanced fire control instruments and high maneuverability

West using post-Soviet space against Russia: deputy foreign minister’s statements

Mikhail Galuzin noted in a conversation with journalists that trilateral negotiations on the Ukrainian settlement are continuing, although they are difficult

Russia's drone expertise can and should be used in civilian sector — Medvedev

The senior official noted that that until recently, Russia "was not a leader" in terms of developing unmanned aircraft systems

Explosion reported in southern Ukrainian city of Odessa

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

Venezuelan parliament passes law granting amnesty to political prisoners

The authority approved the bill unanimously, Speaker Jorge Rodriguez says

Russia’s Andreeva falls to American Anisimova in quarters of Dubai Tennis Championships

The 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships is a WTA-1,000 event which is played on February 15-21

Trump believes Hamas to make good on promise to lay down arms voluntarily

The US leader said the sides "are committed to achieving a Gaza that is properly governed throughout the whole area"