Russia Dismisses Space Agency Chief Following Moon Mission Failure

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced the revival of the Intervision Song Contest, an event originally launched during the Soviet era, as a response to the perceived decadence of modern Western culture. According to the decree signed by Putin on Monday, the event will be held in Moscow later this year with participation expected from China, Cuba, Brazil, and other allied nations. Putin's initiative comes after Russia was banned from competing in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine. The planned Intervision will focus on "traditional universal, spiritual, and family values," which contrasts with Eurovision's inclusion of LGBT+ themes. Documents obtained by Reuters indicate that the contest will prohibit politically themed lyrics and encourage artists to respect cultural and ethical traditions. Intervision was first launched under Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev in the 1960s as a counter to the capitalist Eurovision, fostering collaboration among Eastern Bloc countries. The contest aims to highlight Russia's stance as a defender of conservative values amid increasing tensions with the West.

A deadly explosion in a luxury apartment complex in Moscow, Russia, has killed Armen Sarkisyan, a pro-Russian paramilitary leader from eastern Ukraine. According to state news agency TASS, the blast occurred on February 3 as Sarkisyan, along with his bodyguards, entered the basement of the "Scarlet Sails" complex near the Moskva River, approximately 12 kilometers from the Kremlin. The explosion resulted in the death of one bodyguard and injured three others, reported the newspaper Kommersant. TASS stated that the bombing is considered a "well-planned assassination," with investigators currently working to identify those responsible. Sarkisyan, described by Ukraine’s SBU security service as a crime boss in the Donetsk region, had previously formed a pro-Russian military unit composed mainly of local convicts to support Moscow's military efforts. He was linked to illegal activities and had faced allegations of aiding armed groups. Since the conflict began in 2014, much of Donetsk has been under Russian control. There has been no immediate response from Ukrainian officials regarding the incident.

A powerful explosion rocked a luxury apartment building in northwest Moscow on Monday, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, including a prominent pro-Russian paramilitary leader, Armen Sarkisyan. According to state media reports, the blast occurred as Sarkisyan entered the building's lobby with his bodyguards. Initial reports indicated that Sarkisyan was critically injured but later confirmed his death at a hospital. One of his bodyguards also perished in the incident, with at least four others injured, as stated by local emergency services. The state news agency TASS identified the incident as a targeted attack, while Russian reporters noted significant police presence at the location, with a helicopter surveying the area. Footage from the scene depicted shattered glass doors and substantial damage to the lobby. Sarkisyan was accused by Ukraine's Security Service of being a "criminal boss" associated with armed groups in the conflict-torn region of Donetsk, which has been under Russian influence since 2014. As of now, there has been no official comment from Ukrainian authorities regarding the explosion.