Desk:A recently resurfaced declassified CIA document has sent shockwaves around the globe. The document alleges that during the final years of the Cold War (1989 or 1990), Soviet soldiers in Siberia had a terrifying encounter with an unidentified flying object (UFO), resulting in 23 soldiers reportedly being turned to stone. Originally declassified in 2000, the document has gained viral attention after being republished on the CIA’s official website.
What Really Happened?
According to the report, the incident occurred while a Soviet military unit was conducting routine training exercises in Siberia. Suddenly, a “disc-shaped flying object” appeared, hovering at a low altitude above the troops. For unknown reasons, one of the soldiers launched a surface-to-air missile at the UFO, causing it to crash nearby.
The document claims that five humanoid beings with short stature, large heads, and black eyes emerged from the wreckage. Allegedly extraterrestrial, these beings merged into a single spherical entity. The sphere emitted a high-pitched buzzing sound followed by a blinding white flash of light. In an instant, 23 soldiers were turned into stone-like pillars. Only two soldiers survived the incident, as they were partially shielded from the blast by standing in the shadows.
The 250-Page KGB Report
The CIA’s single-page report is said to be based on a 250-page KGB (Soviet Intelligence Agency) file that came into U.S. possession after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. This file reportedly contains eyewitness testimonies, photographs, and sketches related to the incident. According to the KGB report, the “petrified soldiers” and UFO debris were transported to a top-secret scientific research facility near Moscow. Soviet scientists allegedly found that the soldiers’ tissues had been instantaneously transformed into a limestone-like substance, with a molecular structure resembling natural limestone.
CIA Assessment
The CIA document includes a statement from an unnamed U.S. intelligence representative, who remarked, “If the KGB file corresponds to reality, this is an extremely menacing case. Aliens possess weapons and technology far beyond our comprehension. They can defend themselves if attacked.” This comment reflects the mindset during the Cold War, when both superpowers were highly alert to UFO activity.
Skepticism from Experts
While the document has sparked public fascination and intrigue, many experts have cast doubt on its authenticity. Former CIA officer Mike Baker told Fox News, “I believe there’s something out there in space, but I highly doubt aliens came decades ago, turned Soviet troops into limestone, and we’re just hearing about it now.” He suggested the story may have evolved and been exaggerated over time.
Additionally, the CIA document appears to be a summary of articles originally published in Canada’s Weekly World News and Ukraine’s Holos Ukrayiny in 1993. Weekly World News is widely known for publishing sensational and fictional stories, leading critics to believe this tale could be Cold War-era propaganda or a case of collective misinterpretation.
UFO Fascination on the Rise
The resurfacing of this document coincides with a global surge in interest surrounding UFOs and unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs). In 2020, the U.S. Department of Defense established the UAP Task Force to detect, analyze, and catalog unknown objects that could pose threats to national security. Further fueling speculation, former U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the declassification of decades-old UFO-related files in early 2025.
Truth or Myth?
Was this truly an alien encounter, or a Cold War-era misunderstanding amplified by fear and misinformation? The question remains unanswered. The absence of direct survivor testimony and lack of scientific verification of the “petrified remains” cast doubt on the story’s credibility. Yet, the mystery continues to stir the timeless question: Are we truly alone in the universe?