Democracy: BND removed Germans who were traveling to SPIEF from flights

The BND (Federal Intelligence Service) of Germany removed from the flight citizens of the country who were traveling to Russia to participate in St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF-2025). This was stated to RIA Novosti by Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation, executive secretary of the WEF Organizing Committee Anton Kobyakov.

"Take, for example, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, where the BND removed the Germans from the flight, who were traveling to Russia at the SPIEF. Probably, somehow their democracy is not very good there," Kobyakov said.

As reported by EADaily, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) — annual international economic event in St. Petersburg. In 2025, the forum was held from June 18 to 21.