This international event highlights trade, geopolitics and the shift toward a multipolar world.

On Wednesday, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) opened with more than 130 countries represented, aiming to strengthen trade and geopolitical ties. The 29th edition of SPIEF will run through June 6, and its main theme is “Pragmatic Dialogue: The Path to a Stable Future.”

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Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud will speak alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin.

This year’s forum features more than 150 sessions covering topics such as the global economy: between confrontation and cooperation; the Russian economy: structural changes to return to a path of growth; the social sphere in the era of new technologies; the living environment: new technologies and new quality; and technologies that determine the future.

The issues being addressed at SPIEF 2026 reflect the transition toward a multipolar system of international relations and the need to find balanced solutions.

The guest of honor is Saudi Arabia, a country celebrating the centennial of diplomatic relations with Russia. Its delegation will be led by the ministers of energy, industry and transport, along with about 200 delegates from government entities, investment funds and major corporations.

For the first time in nearly a decade, the U.S. delegation will also participate in the St. Petersburg Forum, which has established itself as a significant venue for the international business community and a platform for discussing global economic issues.

Ukrainian Attack in Leningrad

Unfortunately, the opening of SPIEF 2026 was overshadowed by a massive Ukrainian drone attack that struck several facilities in the Leningrad region.

On the morning of June 3, St. Petersburg Gov. Alexander Beglov reported that enemy drones attacked critical infrastructure facilities in the Kronstadt, Kirov and Krasnoselsky districts.

“Several facilities were damaged. Efforts are currently underway to mitigate the consequences. Several people were injured. There were no fatalities,” he stated.

Russian media reported that the Kronstadt Naval Shipyard, where Russian Navy ships and submarines undergo maintenance, was affected by the attack.

So far, authorities have not suspended the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, although disruptions to some services, including internet access in the city, have been reported.

teleSUR/ JF

Sources: Sputnik – SPIEF

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