Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov commented on the absence of Elvira Nabiullina, head of the Russian Central Bank, from the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, wishing her a speedy recovery and dismissing speculation.
Ukrainian drone attacks on St Petersburg overshadowed Russia's International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2026), where President Putin remained uncompromising on the war with Ukraine, claiming economic stability despite evident pressures.
St. Petersburg and surrounding Leningrad Region faced an unprecedented Ukrainian drone attack on Saturday, with local authorities reporting 141 drones shot down. The strikes, part of a wider assault involving 376 drones across Russia, targeted areas near the Baltic Fleet and disrupted the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy described the attacks as a justified response to Russian aggression.
Ukraine launched a massive drone attack on St. Petersburg, Russia, killing one, setting an oil depot ablaze, and disrupting operations during a key economic forum, hours after Putin rejected peace talks.
Vladimir Putin rejects Volodymyr Zelenskyy's offer for a face-to-face meeting, vowing to achieve Russia's war goals in Ukraine, including full control of the Donbas region.
President Vladimir Putin said Russia will improve its air defenses following Ukrainian drone attacks that struck an oil terminal and naval base in St. Petersburg during his flagship economic forum. He expressed openness to a Ukraine peace deal based on understandings from his summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed direct talks.
Candace Owens denies 2028 presidential run, endorses Tucker Carlson despite his reluctance, citing trust in him over traditional politicians.
President Putin stated that Donald Trump's peace proposals for Ukraine could end the conflict, but emphasized Kyiv's need to compromise. Putin indicated Russia is prepared to continue fighting if necessary, but also open to diplomacy based on previously discussed compromises with Trump.
Saudi Arabia's Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud met his Russian counterpart Alexander Novak in St Petersburg to discuss global energy market stability. Both acknowledged increased uncertainty in demand due to ongoing conflicts and disruptions, with Russia also reporting a decline in oil production due to refinery maintenance.
The 29th International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg is underway with over 20,000 participants from 76 countries. A US delegation is present, with journalist Candace Owens attending sessions and Rodney Cook noting a Russian choir performance. Maria Zakharova held a briefing, and a giant matryoshka doll was displayed.
Ukrainian drone attacks have again disrupted Vladimir Putin's schedule, forcing a shortened Victory Parade in early May and now causing black smoke plumes over St. Petersburg as its economic forum began. The forum, once attended by leaders like Merkel and Macron, now hosts heads of state from Uzbekistan and Tanzania.
Kherson signed cooperation agreements with Russian regions like Leningrad Oblast and Bashkortostan at the St. Petersburg Economic Forum to boost economic cooperation and reconstruction projects. Officials highlighted promising opportunities in agriculture, construction, energy, and logistics, noting investor interest despite security challenges.
Russia and Vietnam are in discussions regarding Russian companies' involvement in establishing a strategic petroleum reserve in Vietnam. The talks were held on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).
Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman announced that Saudi Arabia and Russia will sign 30 cooperation agreements across various fields at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov stated at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF-2026) that the real incomes of Russia's population have increased by over 24% in the last three years. The forum, held from June 3-6, focuses on shaping a new global development model.
Despite claims of an official German business delegation at SPIEF, attendees like Thomas Bruch and Stefan Dürr represent Russian entities or have strong ties to Russia, not Germany. Trade between Russia and Germany has significantly declined.
Saudi Arabia is participating as the guest of honor at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, held from June 3-6. The event marks 100 years of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Russia, with bilateral trade reaching $3 billion and plans to increase it to $10 billion.
Saudi Arabia is participating as the guest of honor at the St. Petersburg Economic Forum, celebrating 100 years of diplomatic relations with Russia. The forum, running from June 3-6, aims to boost trade and expand partnerships in industry, technology, and investment, with bilateral trade currently at $3 billion.
A World Economic Forum report predicts geoeconomic fragmentation will cost the global economy $213-$307 billion annually in 2025-2026 due to geopolitical tensions and trade shifts. This fragmentation could lead to a $6.9 trillion global GDP loss in extreme scenarios and push inflation up by 0.2-0.3 percentage points.
At the St. Petersburg Economic Forum, experts discussed challenges for Russian firms in Gulf markets, citing payment transfers as a key obstacle. Success hinges on product quality, after-sales service, and strong local partnerships, with opportunities in food security, agriculture, and cybersecurity.
Saudi Arabia will be the main guest of honor at the 29th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in 2026. Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO Anton Ulianov announced over 70 joint projects worth more than $70 billion between Russia and Saudi Arabia.
The new Senat car brand, with its first model the Senat 900 executive sedan, has launched production at the former Toyota plant in St. Petersburg, Russia, during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).
Gazprom Neft presented a creative project at an economic forum, featuring a cylindrical structure displaying a narrative on the creation of the universe based on Northern folklore. The project includes an animated film, "Authentic North," and aims to support indigenous communities and preserve their heritage.
Russia and Saudi Arabia are deepening economic cooperation, highlighted by Saudi Arabia's guest of honor status at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. The countries aim to increase trade from $3 billion to $10 billion, expanding partnerships in industry, technology, and investment, building on their collaboration within OPEC+.
