Putin's daughter and niece speak at St Petersburg economic forum

At the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), two relatives of Vladimir Putin took the stage on the opening day. Putin's younger daughter Katerina Tikhonova discussed the achievement of independence from imported medicines, while the president's niece Yelena Fisenko addressed health centres and birth rates on Russian Railways.

At the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), two close relatives of Vladimir Putin appeared on the opening day. The president's younger daughter Katerina Tikhonova and his niece Yelena Fisenko both delivered keynote addresses at the forum.

In her presentation, Katerina Tikhonova spoke about Russia's pharmaceutical policy and the country's efforts to achieve independence from foreign medicines through an import substitution programme. The topic has become particularly relevant following Western sanctions imposed in connection with the war in Ukraine.

Yelena Fisenko, in turn, addressed the activities of health centres run by Russian Railways (RZD) and programmes aimed at boosting birth rates within the railway company. RZD is one of Russia's largest employers, and its social programmes affect tens of thousands of families.

SPIEF is one of Russia's most prestigious business events, held annually in St Petersburg. However, amid Western sanctions and isolation, the forum has become primarily a meeting place for Russia-friendly nations and the domestic business sector.