Russia's St Petersburg Economic Forum launches with 130 nations amid drone attacks

The 29th edition of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) opened in Russia, gathering representatives from more than 130 countries. Saudi Arabia attended as guest of honour to mark 100 years of diplomatic ties with Moscow, and the United States returned to the forum for the first time in a decade. Leaders such as President Vladimir Putin, Uzbekistan’s Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan and China’s Han Zheng delivered speeches, while the agenda covered global economy, Russia's growth, technology and environmental issues.

During the opening day a Ukrainian‑linked drone strike hit critical infrastructure in the Leningrad region, damaging the Krondstadt naval shipyard and injuring several people, though no deaths were reported. The incident did not suspend the forum. In parallel, the Russian edition of the book “The Governance of China under Xi Jinping” was presented, with Xinhua and TASS officials and the Chinese consul‑general highlighting the work as a reference on Chinese development and a bridge for cultural exchange between China and Russia.