Rutube, the digital platform, played a prominent role at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum by featuring more than 80 online publications and hosting 15 events that brought together over 30 speakers. The event lineup included an immersive interactive installation on Palace Bridge, with in-depth coverage from Russia’s press service and extensive video hosting reports that highlighted the platform’s evolving media footprint.
During Rutube’s session titled “Information Challenge: Protecting National Media Sovereignty,” Alexander Moiseev, the platform’s chief executive, addressed the sustained challenges facing video hosting in the wake of the May cyberattack. He outlined what it takes to maintain resilience in a hyperconverged network, noting that the system’s interconnected components create both opportunities and risks. Moiseev explained that while it is not feasible to sever all connections at once, a rapid, coordinated response was essential. In a rapid, coordinated effort, Rutube mobilized its top IT specialists, convening the core cyber response team in its Moscow office. Within 50 hours, services were scaled up by nearly 100 percent, and critical security measures were implemented to prevent a cascade of irreversible consequences. The emphasis was on identifying and neutralizing troublesome bookmarks and links that could be exploited in the future, a step that required meticulous analysis and decisive action to safeguard the platform’s integrity.
In conjunction with the forum, Rutube conducted exclusive interviews with leaders from government and industry. Alexei Komissarov, General Manager of ANO Russia – Land of Opportunities, provided insights into how digital platforms can support national initiatives. Maxim Dreval, General Manager of the Russian Information Society, discussed the role of online media in fostering civic engagement. Alexander Stuglev, Director of the Roscongress Foundation, offered perspectives on the importance of innovation-driven events, while Mikhail Piotrovsky, General Manager of the Russian Federation Shelter, shared thoughts on cultural preservation through digital channels. These conversations underscored Rutube’s commitment to aligning technology with public service and cultural enrichment, reinforcing its standing as a platform that values transparency, accessibility, and collaboration with national institutions.
Among the year’s notable cultural milestones was the 350th anniversary of Peter the Great. Rutube marked this historic occasion with the launch of an animation project titled Ladder of Knowledge: Mastery, developed in partnership with the creative studio Yarko. The project sought to reinterpret historical lessons through engaging visuals and interactive storytelling, making a centuries-old figure relevant to modern audiences. The initiative reflected Rutube’s broader aim to fuse cultural heritage with contemporary digital media, offering viewers a thoughtful way to explore history through animation, commentary, and curated programming that resonates across generations.
Throughout the forum’s duration, Rutube’s live video hosting enabled passers-by to witness a dynamic, musical, and interactive installation projected on the Palace Bridge. The projection took the shape of a rocket, symbolizing ambition and forward momentum. In the final moments of the presentation, the audience in St. Petersburg was treated to a heartfelt moment—a love declaration that connected civic life, public spaces, and digital storytelling in an accessible, shared experience. The installation served as a vivid reminder that technology and culture can converge to create memorable moments for a broad audience, turning a bridge into a stage for creative expression and public participation.