This year’s St. Petersburg International Economic Forum brought a surprise with the appearance of the two daughters of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Maria Vorontsova and Katerina Tikhonova, in a discussion panel. Their presence drew attention due to their rare public appearances and sparked various speculations about their roles and influence in the Russian business and political spheres.
The presence of Putin’s two daughters at this forum highlights their significant roles in the fields of science, technology, and biotechnology, and has led to speculation about their involvement in managing the Putin family’s wealth. This forum also serves as a platform for Putin to showcase Russia’s economic achievements amid global challenges.
Maria Vorontsova, an endocrinologist, spoke about innovations in biotechnology and bioproduction. As a member of the Russian Association for the Promotion of Science, she is involved in medical developments, which was the main focus of her speech. In recent years, Vorontsova is reported to have generated more than $10 million from her work at a medical company. This demonstrates her deep involvement in the health sector and her potential influence in the industry.
Katerina Tikhonova, on the other hand, serves as a technology executive and the general director of the National Intellectual Development Foundation (NIDF). At the forum, she spoke about technological sovereignty and the elimination of technology imports related to civilian and military fields. Tikhonova was also sanctioned by the US and the UK following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, indicating that her work has a significant impact on Russian foreign policy and its defense industry.
Their presence at this forum, on one hand, shows their active and significant involvement in their respective professional fields. On the other hand, it raises questions about the wealth that might be hidden in their bank accounts, as some analysts believe. The Anti-Corruption Foundation founded by the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has mentioned that the wealth generated by Vorontsova comes from medical companies that collaborate with the government, indicating a connection between family business and political power. ######
The public appearance of Maria Vorontsova and Katerina Tikhonova at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum reflects their significant roles in various important sectors in Russia. Although Putin has always maintained his family’s privacy, their presence at this event shows their active involvement in supporting Russia’s economic and technological policies. Speculations about hidden wealth under their names add a layer of complexity to their influence and roles in the future. This forum not only highlights Russia’s economic achievements but also presents new faces that might play crucial roles in the country’s future.
