Putin Expected at SPIEF Plenary as Russian Officials Outline Forum Details
Russia’s press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, confirmed that President Vladimir Putin is slated to maintain his long-standing tradition of attending the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, commonly known as SPIEF. He spoke during a briefing about the Kremlin’s plans for the event and reiterated that a formal schedule would be released in due course. Peskov underscored that official communications will include the date, a comprehensive list of invitees, and other essential particulars as soon as they are finalized. [Source: Kremlin press briefing]
The Kremlin spokesman made it clear that a general assembly with the President is on the agenda. He indicated that details such as the exact timing and the appointment of a leader for the assembly would be disclosed at the appropriate time. This approach mirrors the standard practice of coordinating high-level participation for such major gatherings, ensuring that all foreign delegates, domestic officials, and business leaders receive accurate and timely information. [Source: Kremlin press briefing]
Beyond the plenary session, Peskov noted that additional specifics regarding the economic forum will be announced later. He stressed that preparations for SPIEF-23 are actively underway, reflecting the importance Moscow places on the event as a platform for economic dialogue, policy signaling, and international cooperation. [Source: Kremlin press briefing]
SPIEF is described by organizers as the largest multi-day economic forum hosted in Russia, drawing participants from government, business, and academia. The timing for the gathering is set for mid-June, with the forthcoming dates spanning a period that typically includes plenaries, bilateral meetings, sector-specific forums, and various networking opportunities. The Kremlin’s communications arm indicates that the event schedule will be published in the lead-up to the forum to accommodate the diverse regional and international contingents expected to attend. [Source: Kremlin press briefing]
In May, statements from Russian officials suggested that the list of foreign guests for SPIEF had already been refined, signaling careful planning to balance international participation with domestic interests and security considerations. The public briefings emphasize transparency about who will attend and which sessions will feature high-level remarks, while also acknowledging that some elements remain contingent on broader diplomatic developments. [Source: Kremlin press briefing]
Separately, Dmitry Krutoy, the Russian ambassador to Belarus, provided clarification regarding participation from Belarusian leadership. He noted that President Alexander Lukashenko would not take part in SPIEF this year. This clarification helps set expectations for the attendance roster and demonstrates the ongoing coordination between Russian authorities and neighboring states in relation to major economic events. [Source: Kremlin press briefing]