Kathrine Frich
High-profile gatherings always rely on a highly predictable guest list.
The same familiar faces show up year after year to mingle and project power. When a prominent regular vanishes, people immediately start to ask questions.
A sudden absence
For years, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum served as a glittering stage for Russia’s elite. Politicians and media figures rubbed shoulders to project confidence.
One of the loudest voices at these gatherings was always Vladimir Solovyov. The leading television host typically secured a coveted spot at the event to project state messaging.
Things looked very different this time. The famous broadcaster recently admitted that his invitation to the flagship economic summit never arrived.
Breaking the news
He shared the surprising development directly with his audience. Speaking on his Rossiya 1 channel program, the host confirmed his unusual exclusion.
“The forum was, of course, very important. It was the first forum I wasn’t invited to. Well, I guess there’s a logic to that. I probably would have asked some very uncomfortable questions, but others did a great job of asking them for me,” said Vladimir Solovyov.
According to a report by the news outlet Agency cited by Onet, the presenter tried to frame his absence as a badge of honor. He suggested his style was too demanding.
Shifting the focus
Instead of moderating panels in comfortable conference halls, the host pointed to a different project. He highlighted his focus on active combat zones.
His Sunday television show broadcast a lengthy special report focusing on a front-line artillery regiment. That stood in stark contrast to his past corporate appearances.
Back in 2025, the presenter stood at the center of the summit. He proudly guided a panel discussion that explored national jurisdictions and the cycle economy.
Targeting the bank
The famous television star frequently targets the country’s financial leaders. He directs his most vicious criticism straight at the Central Bank.
He regularly demands that bank officials appear on his show to face his questions. During the ongoing military conflict, these demands have gone unanswered.
The head of the Central Bank, Elvira Nabiullina, was also notably absent from the St. Petersburg gathering. Representatives stated she missed the event due to sick leave, according to the Agency report.
Media observers believe these sudden absences point to shifting power dynamics behind the scenes. And as noted by Onet, state television currently struggles to keep audiences engaged with its political programming.
Sources: Agency, Rossiya 1, Onet
