What Unfolded in St. Petersburg
For over five and a half hours, Ukrainian drones targeted St. Petersburg. Simultaneously, a major fire erupted at one of the Baltic region’s largest oil terminals, while the local airport operated under restrictions. These events unfolded as the International Economic Forum—a pet project of Russian President Vladimir Putin—was underway, an event even pro-Kremlin analysts and propagandists have criticized for being out of touch with reality.
The forum, designed to project stability and success, was marked by a festive atmosphere. Yet, according to columnist Mikhail Zygar, it laid bare how disconnected the Russian leadership has become from actual conditions. Putin appeared at the event two days after it began, berating Europe but making no mention of the war—a stark contrast between official narratives and ground truth.
Political analyst Yevgeny Minchenko remarked: 'The disconnect at the 2026 Forum is perhaps the greatest I’ve ever seen between triumphant public statements and behind-the-scenes anxiety.'
The absence of Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina, who canceled her participation at the last minute citing illness, further underscored the gap between rhetoric and reality. Sources told Zygar that Nabiullina 'preferred not to take part in this circus performance and not to lie publicly that everything is fine.' Meanwhile, Alexander Vaino, son of Putin’s chief of staff, openly criticized the security services—a sign of growing friction within Russia’s elite.
Highlights from the International Economic Forum
The forum’s closing event, noted for its opulence, featured a guest list that included:
- Kirill Dmitriev, Putin’s special envoy for talks with the United States;
- Andrew Tate, a controversial figure facing human trafficking charges.
Foreign attendees were provided with VPNs to access information. At the RT booth, cocktails with propagandistic names were served, alongside still water served European-style—without gas.
These incidents in St. Petersburg and around the International Economic Forum highlight a profound disconnect between official statements from the Russian leadership and the real challenges the country confronts.
Together, these events point to mounting pressure on Russian authorities amid the ongoing war and international isolation. The drone attack and other disruptions suggest increasing security threats in the region, which could reshape domestic policies. At the same time, reactions to the forum reveal that, despite outward displays of unity, concern about Russia’s future is simmering within its elite circles.
As the drone strikes unfolded, the impact was felt beyond the immediate chaos, with significant damage reported at an oil terminal in the region. This incident highlights the growing tensions surrounding the International Economic Forum, where the disconnect between official narratives and the realities on the ground has become increasingly evident. For a deeper understanding of the implications of these events, you can read more about the drone attack on the oil terminal that coincided with the forum.