SPIEF Part 1: Putin Opens the Forum and the Post-Western Economic Argument Begins

International Flavor: Where the Truth Tastes Better · Jun 8, 2026 · 1h 26m · transcript

In this first installment of SPIEF Week, Samuel Trapp begins breaking down the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum and why it matters far beyond Russia. Today’s program introduces Vladimir Putin’s opening economic argument, the changing role of BRICS, alternative trade routes, national currencies, sanctions, and the movement away from Western-controlled institutions. Samuel also reads and comments on Zelensky’s open letter, begins setting up Putin’s response, and previews the powerful “Работайте, братья” moment, Maria Zakharova’s Starobelsk briefing, and additional SPIEF analysis for…