Putin faces rival visions of war and peace at Russia's 'Davos'
At the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, President Vladimir Putin encountered contrasting visions for Russia's future amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Some attendees advocated for continued conflict with the West, while others emphasized the economic advantages of pursuing peace. This divergence reflects the internal debate among Russian political and business leaders regarding the war's impact on the nation's economy and stability.
- ▪Putin hosted the annual investment conference amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
- ▪Participants expressed conflicting views on whether to continue fighting or seek peace.
- ▪The forum showcased military technology and highlighted the economic stagnation caused by the war.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Putin faces rival visions of war and peace at Russia's 'Davos'Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxPublished Jun 04, 2026, 06:31 PMUpdated Jun 04, 2026, 06:41 PMListenST PETERSBURG, Russia, June 4 - President Vladimir Putin faced two rival outlines of Russia's future as he hosted his premier annual investment conference with the war in Ukraine unabated.Some participants at the glitzy St Petersburg International Economic Forum said Russia should fight on and gird for global confrontation with the West.Others highlighted the economic benefits to be reaped from ending a war that came almost to the forum's doorstep when Ukrainian drones hit a St Petersburg oil terminal and naval base on Wednesday, sending smoke billowing over parts of the city.The conflicting narratives…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Straits Times.