St. Petersburg Economic Forum 2026 attracts 20,000 delegates from 130 nations

The International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg (SPIEF) runs from June 3‑6 2026, drawing about 20,000 participants representing more than 130 countries. Russian President Vladimir Putin will open the forum with a plenary speech. Delegations include a U.S. team led by Rodney Cook of the American Commission for Fine Arts, a German business contingent, Saudi Arabia as a guest country with a 200‑person delegation, and leaders from Uzbekistan, Tanzania, China and Abkhazia. Sessions will focus on AI, energy, digital sovereignty and investment, with cultural programs such as opera and contemporary‑art exhibitions.

Ahead of the forum, Ukrainian forces launched drone strikes that hit a St. Petersburg oil terminal and a naval base, producing smoke and temporary airport closures but no fatalities. The attacks were presented by Kyiv as retaliation and were noted by Russian officials as attempts to disrupt the economic gathering.