Candace Owens and Andrew Tate have been posting from Russia during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), which began on June 3, 2026. The forum is often referred to as the 'Russian Davos' and aims to promote Russia's economic strength. Officials report that this year, the forum has attracted 20,000 guests from over 100 countries, with high-level representatives from 76 nations.
Owens, a right-wing podcaster, and Tate, known for their online presence, have drawn attention as they visit Russia amid ongoing challenges for President Vladimir Putin, including setbacks in the conflict with Ukraine. The forum opened with visible signs of conflict, including smoke from a Ukrainian drone strike that damaged infrastructure in St. Petersburg.
Owens participated in an interview with RT, a state-funded broadcaster, where she expressed positive views about Moscow, describing it as clean and safe. She also commented on the historical distrust between Americans and Russia, suggesting that there are similarities between the two nations. Owens stated that she funded her own travel and has not received any financial support from Russia.
Cook, an official from the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, also attended the forum, highlighting cultural connections between the U.S. and Russia. Russian officials have framed his presence as a sign of improved relations, marking the first time in nearly a decade that a U.S. official has participated in the event. However, the U.S. State Department continues to advise against travel to Russia due to various risks, including wrongful detention.
