Why are Candace Owens, Tate Brothers, other US personalities in Russia? What their visits say about Putin's strategy?

Key points

• A small group of American influencers, commentators and public officials has found itself at the center of a debate over Russia's global image after appearing in or around the country's flagship economic gathering, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
• The presence of Candace Owens, Rodney Mims Cook Jr.
• and, separately, influencers Andrew Tate and Tristan Tate has generated headlines because it comes at a time when Russia remains under extensive Western sanctions and continues to wage war in Ukraine.
• What is SPIEF and why does it matter?
• Held annually in St. Petersburg, SPIEF is Russia's premier economic and investment conference.