Sighting of Unidentified Airborne objects Near Leningrad

This Central Intelligence Agency information report details a sighting of two unidentified airborne objects observed on the evening of July 11, 1958, by an anonymous witness traveling by train from Leningrad to Moscow. Approximately one hour after departing the Leningrad station, the witness observed two bright lights with gray smoke trails rising vertically into the air. The witness noted that the objects remained in view for approximately 10 minutes while continuing their ascent. The witness initially brought the sighting to the attention of an Intourist guide, who dismissed the observation as a potential satellite launch. Later, while in Moscow, the witness discussed the event with a Russian-speaking tour member referred to as Ivanov. When the witness and a friend mentioned the sighting to Ivanov, he initially joked about 'flying saucers.' However, when the witness pressed the subject, Ivanov reportedly became visibly flustered, pulled the car off the road, and demanded to know what the objects looked like before abruptly changing the subject and refusing to discuss the matter further.