Russia declares financial sovereignty  — RT Russia & Former Soviet Union

Russia has achieved economic sovereignty, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov has announced at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). The minister warned of risks to the country’s finances “amid global lawlessness.”

Financial sovereignty and autonomy over economic policy has been secured, he said, adding that Russia operates without external sources of investment and relies only on itself.

“For several years, Russia has been living in conditions of global lawlessness, so it is important to pay close attention to the country’s finances, as this will reduce the negative impact of such shocks,” Siluanov told a SPIEF panel on Thursday.

The minister vowed that Moscow will soon fully repay its external debt, adding that real incomes in Russia have increased by more than 24% over the past three years.

Siluanov also called for protecting this sovereignty, highlighting that the country’s financial and economic independence must be preserved despite unfavorable external conditions.

The 29th SPIEF 2026, often referred to as the ‘Russian Davos’, is taking place from June 3 to 6, welcoming around 20,000 businesspeople, politicians, and public figures from more than 100 nations.

Apart from Siluanov, the panel ‘Regions in the Face of Global Challenges: How to Maintain Financial Stability and Stimulate Development.’ was attended by top speakers including Russia’s Construction and Housing Minister Irek Fayzullin, Accounts Chamber auditor Natalia Trunova, and the head of Moscow’s Complex of Urban Development Policy and Construction, Vladimir Efimov.

The opening day of the forum featured the official ceremony of the SPIEF 2026, where key speakers included Russian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksander Novak, First Deputy PM of Kyrgyzstan Daniyar Amangeldiev, and Eduardo Pedrosa, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to address the gathering on Friday.