Russian President Vladimir Putin has voiced significant apprehension regarding the potential outbreak of a third world war. He stated that this issue is a genuine and serious concern for him.

Speaking at the plenary session of the SPIEF, Putin remarked, “It’s concerning. There is a lot of conflict potential, it is growing, and it directly concerns us.”

He pointed to current international conflicts, including those in Ukraine and the Middle East, as contributors to an increasingly alarming global atmosphere.

The situation surrounding Iran’s nuclear facilities was highlighted as particularly worrisome.

Putin stressed the need for close attention to these events and the importance of finding peaceful resolutions. “And this not only requires our close attention to these events, but also to finding solutions, preferably by peaceful means. In all directions. I say this quite sincerely,” he said.

He emphasized the necessity of proactive efforts to achieve peaceful conflict resolution.

The XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, scheduled for June 18–21, 2025, has “Common values ​​are the basis for growth in a multipolar world” as its main theme.

The forum anticipates participation from 20,000 representatives spanning 140 countries and territories.

The plenary session, featuring Russian President Vladimir Putin, traditionally serves as the central event of the forum.