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

This Central Intelligence Agency information report, dated August 18, 1967, details conversations held with Soviet scientists regarding the subject of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) within the USSR. The document outlines the general skepticism and lack of official interest in the phenomenon within the Soviet scientific community. One scientist, a radio astronomer, remained non-committal and jokingly suggested that if UFOs were only seen in the United States, they must be of Soviet origin. Another astronomer mentioned hearing of sightings near the Caucasus but noted that she was unaware of any formal studies being conducted. The report highlights that sightings are not typically printed in Soviet newspapers because they are not regarded as scientific observations. The document notes that while some Soviet scientists have read Western literature on the subject, such as the book by Menzel, they do not necessarily accept the conclusions presented. Furthermore, the report mentions that some individuals within the scientific community may hold personal opinions, such as the possibility that UFOs originate from Venus, but these views are distinct from official scientific consensus.