Despite adverse external conditions, the country has maintained economic independence, according to Finance Minister Anton Siluanov

Russia has achieved economic sovereignty, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). The minister urged careful attention to the country's finances "amid global lawlessness."

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.

"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 said on Thursday speaking at the opening of the panel titled 'Regions in the Face of Global Challenges: How to Maintain Financial Stability and Stimulate Development.'

The finance minister stressed that Russia has achieved full sovereignty in finances and maintained autonomy in its financial and economic policy. He added that the country currently operates without external sources of investment and relies only on itself.

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

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.

Apart from Siluanov, the panel session 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.

(RT.com)