Russia's War Divisions Surface at St Petersburg Forum

The St Petersburg International Economic Forum laid bare divergent views on Russia's future after more than four years of war in Ukraine.

While some participants advocated continued confrontation with the West and preparation for a long-term conflict, others pointed to the economic benefits of a potential peace settlement.

Former Russian intelligence officer Andrey Bezrukov declared that Russia must prepare for decades of life under wartime conditions. Presentations on military technology, drones and cyber defense systems also featured prominently.

Some officials, however, acknowledged the growing economic costs of the conflict and the potential gains from renewed international cooperation. The debate was further shaped by a recent Ukrainian drone attack on infrastructure in St Petersburg.

The forum thus exposed tensions between hardliners and those who see Russia's future in terms of economic stability rather than continued military confrontation.

(reuters, mja)