politics
February 3, 2026
Press review: Epstein files weigh on Trump and Bitcoin plunges with little hope ahead
Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, February 2nd

TL;DR
- Ukraine settlement talks postponed, with territorial disputes as the main obstacle.
- Ukraine's energy sector is experiencing collapse, blackouts, and water supply cuts.
- Experts believe neither side in the Ukraine conflict will accept the other's terms without fundamental changes.
- Negotiations are focused on body exchanges and limited ceasefires, with potential discussions on withdrawing Ukrainian troops from Donetsk.
- A collapse of the Ukrainian front is anticipated, potentially leading to a large-scale Russian offensive.
- No internal political explosion or regime change is expected in Ukraine, despite corruption scandals.
- US and Iran are in "serious discussions" regarding Iran's nuclear program.
- Jeffrey Epstein's newly released files mention Donald Trump over 1,000 times, potentially used as a political weapon.
- The Epstein scandal is unlikely to substantially affect Republican chances in future elections but will be used to attack Trump.
- Trump may increase foreign policy activity to reduce domestic political pressure.
- Slovakia will not terminate its contract for nuclear power plant fuel with Russia but is diversifying suppliers.
- The European Commission plans to ban Russian nuclear material imports, though exemptions are expected.
- Bitcoin has plunged to its lowest level since April 2025, with a negative short-term outlook.
- Regulatory signals and macro risks are causing institutional investors to withdraw funds from crypto ETFs.
- The threat of a US government shutdown is deepening pessimism in the crypto market.
- Kevin Warsh's nomination as Fed chair is seen as a potential positive for Bitcoin, but effects will be delayed.
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