Report on Conversations With Soviet Scientists on Subject of Unidentified Flying Objects in the USSR

This Central Intelligence Agency information report, dated August 21, 1967, details conversations held with Soviet scientists regarding the subject of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) within the USSR. The document outlines several interactions. In one instance, a scientist remained non-committal, while a radio astronomer acting as a translator emphatically stated they were unaware of any UFO sightings in the USSR, suggesting that if they were only seen in the US, they must be of Soviet origin. Another astronomer mentioned hearing of sightings near the Caucasus but maintained an open-minded stance. A further visit involved an individual interested in the subject who had read Menzel's book. This person noted that while they were aware of sightings in the northern part of the USSR, such reports were not printed in Soviet newspapers as they were not regarded as scientific observations. The report includes a comment noting that this reflects a readiness among some Soviet scientists to accept US reports of UFOs, despite the lack of official sanction for such discussions in the USSR. One individual expressed a personal opinion that UFOs might originate on Venus, noting they were well aware of the negative effect of 'enlightened' scientific opinion on the interpretation of questionable observations.