Putin addresses journalists at SPIEF, signals dialogue and praises AfD
From 3‑6 June 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a question‑and‑answer session with heads of international news agencies at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). He discussed Russia’s war in Ukraine, stating that a peace settlement could be reached quickly if Ukraine accepted the proposed compromises and reiterated Russia’s willingness to resume gas deliveries to Germany via the remaining Nord Stream pipeline, noting that Gazprom is ready and contracts remain valid.
Putin criticized Germany and Europe for lacking neutrality over arms supplies to Ukraine, while praising Germany’s far‑right AfD party, saying its members understand their position and would cooperate with Russia. He highlighted Russia’s expanding economic partnership with India, calling New Delhi a “specially privileged strategic partner” with plans to boost bilateral trade to $100 billion. He also described the relationship with China as an “old friendship” and dismissed claims of a strategic pivot to Asia.
The forum attracted around 20,000 participants from over 100 countries, with Saudi Arabia serving as the guest nation. The event, which follows a Ukrainian drone strike on Kyiv and a prior drone attack on the forum’s premises, underscores Russia’s effort to project economic strength despite sanctions and a slowdown in growth.