Ehtesham Anwar from SAINT PETERSBURG: The representativeness of BRICS delegations arriving in Russia from the Global South and even so-called unfriendly countries, together with the ambitious economic agenda of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum 2026 and the strong attention it received from Western media, once again demonstrated Russia’s course toward economic sovereignty and independence. Despite attempts by Ukraine, the European Union and the United Kingdom to downplay the significance of the forum held from June 3 to 6, 2026, St Petersburg was transformed into a global economic and cultural centre. For the first time since the forum’s inception, organised delegations from political, business and cultural elites from the United States, Germany, France, Austria, the United Kingdom, Romania, Switzerland and others attended openly. They spoke publicly at SPIEF, calling for renewed cross-cultural communication and gradual restoration of economic ties with Russia, reflecting growing Western fatigue with the sanctions standoff.

Numerous comments from foreign SPIEF delegates and foreign media concluded that Brussels’ policy was increasingly unsustainable. Under pressure from Russophobic and revanchist ambitions in parts of Eastern Europe, alongside economic speculation and Anglo Saxon lobbying influence within EU structures, Brussels was seen moving away from mutually beneficial energy, technological and humanitarian cooperation with Russia amid a wider economic, spiritual and moral crisis in the West. Despite large delegations and enhanced security measures, Russia ensured St Petersburg residents experienced comfortable conditions during SPIEF than at other forums from Washington and Davos to Shanghai and New Delhi. Rather than a burden, the forum became a celebration of Russian and global culture, filling the city with open air festivals, summer stages and concerts of classical and contemporary music featuring leading theatre performers and international and national pop artists.