St. Petersburg Economic Forum Draws U.S. Cultural Figures and Russian Officials

Russia’s St. Petersburg International Economic Forum opened Wednesday with a reduced Western presence compared with previous years. , American actor Steven Seagal, and conservative podcaster Candace Owens. Ukrainian drone strikes struck Russia’s second-largest city hours before the opening session.

The attacks occurred in President Vladimir Putin’s hometown, though no casualties at the forum site were reported.

Russian state media described him as head of the first official U.S. delegation in years, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio told a Senate committee he was unaware of any such delegation. Cook participated in a Thursday panel titled “Russia–U.S.: A Cultural Dialogue” alongside Seagal and Russia’s Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova.

He displayed photographs of his Atlanta residence built in Russian wooden style and discussed prior restoration work on Russian historic sites.

Robert Agee, president and CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia, said mistrust between the two countries is at an all-time high. He cited ongoing talks with the Russian Direct Investment Fund about projects valued in trillions of dollars that would require improved bilateral relations.

Agee also announced an ice-hockey match between Russian and American players scheduled for July 1 in Moscow. The event coincides with the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.

Owens attended a separate panel on family values after spending several days in Moscow. ” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said no meetings between Putin and the American attendees are planned. Self-described influencer Andrew Tate and his brother posted arrival videos from a Moscow airport, though their participation in the forum remains unconfirmed.