Russia’s St. Petersburg Economic Forum, a counterpart to the Davos summit, commenced on Wednesday, drawing an unconventional mix of American figures, including Rodney Mims Cook Jr., chairman of the US Commission of Fine Arts, who is leading the US delegation. This gathering occurs as Russia faces internal pressure from finance officials to curb defense spending amidst the costly Ukraine conflict, with military needs reportedly escalating. Notable attendees also include controversial social media influencer Candace Owens, known for sharing conspiracy theories, and actor Steven Seagal, a vocal supporter of Vladimir Putin and a special representative for Russia's Foreign Ministry. While Owens and Seagal are listed as participants in various sessions, the attendance of influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate, who arrived in Moscow, remains unconfirmed for the forum itself.