Russia leverages Economic Forum as a platform for strategic war preparations and public diversion.
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Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy LinkThe St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) kicks off from June 18 to 21, serving not just as an economic and diplomatic event, but also as a tool for Russia to prepare its population psychologically and control the narrative amid the geopolitical tensions and war context.
According to Russian exile medium Meduza, the event will feature presentations that steer Kremlin-affiliated media to cover specific topics designed to paint a positive picture. These topics include a new vehicle launch by a Russian automaker, flag-raising ceremonies for fishing vessels, and events organized by institutions subordinate to the Presidential Administration - all aimed at conveying optimism to the Russian population and giving the impression that everything is progressing smoothly.
06:22 Putin: Next Istanbul talks to resume after June 22Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that the talks held this year twice in Istanbul under the Turkish government's mediation will continue after June 22. These discussions have led to significant progress in humanitarian issues, including the exchange of prisoners and dead soldiers.
05:45 Authorities: Eight injured in Russian attacks on KhersonEight people were injured in Russian attacks on the Kherson region, according to local law enforcement agencies. The Russian military targeted several settlements in the region with artillery and drones, damaging civilian infrastructure and residential buildings in the process.
04:45 Putin warns German government over Taurus deliveryRussian President Vladimir Putin warned the Federal Republic of Germany of consequences if it delivers Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, stating that such an action would "completely ruin" German-Russian relations and have "no impact whatsoever" on Moscow's offensive against Ukraine. The German government has not yet promised to supply Taurus missiles.
03:48 Data on Russian servers: Moscow sets condition for companiesMoscow is demanding that foreign companies returning to Russia store all data on Russian servers, according to Russian Economic Minister Maxim Reshetnikov. This move is expected to bolster the Kremlin's control over information and technology within the country.
02:43 Putin Remains Calm About NATO's Defense Spending IncreaseDespite NATO's decision to increase defense spending, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed confidence in the strength of the Russian armed forces. He assured that Russia is capable of ensuring its own security and could meet any threat without difficulty.
01:25 EU Nations Agree on Defense Funding ProgramEuropean Union member states have agreed on a €1.5 billion program to fund defense spending. The funds will be used to support military modernization and defense research, aiming to enhance the EU's capacity to respond to security challenges efficiently.
00:20 Putin Open to Meeting ZelenskyRussian President Vladimir Putin signaled his readiness to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as long as the right person signs the agreement from the Ukrainian side and the next president does not question such an agreement. No statement from Ukraine was available at the time.
Follow all previous developments here.
Topics:- Ukraine Conflict- Military Deployments- Russia- NATO- Cyberwar- Attack on Ukraine- Volodymyr Zelensky- Vladimir Putin- Wars and Conflicts- Defense Spending- Data Storage- Information Control
Insights
Overall:
At the SPIEF, Russia employs the platform not only for economic and diplomatic engagements, but also as a means to psychologically prepare its population and manipulate the information flow amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions and war context.
Preparing the Population for Prolonged War:- Putin’s speeches at SPIEF 2025 emphasize Russia’s economic resilience, promoting a narrative of endurance and self-sufficiency to mentally prepare the public for a prolonged conflict period in the Ukraine war and growing confrontation with the West.- The forum’s focus on geopolitical unity indirectly reassures the domestic audience that Russia has options beyond confrontation with the West.- By highlighting shifting alliances, the government signifies a strategy of geopolitical adaptation that helps reduce domestic anxiety about war casualties and economic difficulties caused by international isolation.
Information Control and Narrative Management:- SPIEF serves as a tightly controlled environment where the Kremlin shapes the discourse around Russia’s economy, foreign policy, and war efforts, limiting alternative narratives and projecting its version of reality both domestically and internationally.- The presence of global business leaders, diplomats, and media provides a showcase for Russia's message of strength and stability, supporting internal propaganda efforts to maintain public confidence and reduce dissent.- A range of panels covering Russia's ties with countries across continents reinforces a narrative of global support and partnership, countering Western portrayals of isolation.
In summary, SPIEF 2025 functions as a key Kremlin instrument to mentally prepare Russian society for a protracted war by underscoring economic resilience, geopolitical strategy, and bolstering internal propaganda efforts while simultaneously controlling and shaping the information environment to maintain public support and manage perceptions both inside Russia and abroad.
- Despite the ongoing Ukraine conflict and geopolitical tensions, the Russian government employs the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) as a platform not just for economic and diplomatic engagements, but also as a tool to psychologically prepare its population and manipulate the information flow.
- At the SPIEF, the Kremlin utilizes the event as a tightly controlled environment to shape the discourse around Russia's economy, foreign policy, and war efforts, limiting alternative narratives and projecting its version of reality domestically and internationally, thereby reinforcing internal propaganda efforts and maintaining public confidence.
