Domodedovo and SPIEF: a masterclass in ignoring reality

Hello! This week we look at how the nationalization of Moscow’s Domodedovo airport came about and why it was a non-issue at Russia’s premier business and investment forum in Saint Petersburg.

SPIEF shrugs off Domodedovo nationalization

The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum has long ceased to be a serious business event and instead become little more than a sideshow for socializing. This year took it to a new level. Literally the day before what is supposed to be a showcase of Russia’s openness to business and investment, the authorities secured their biggest nationalization in years, seizing control of Moscow’s privately-held Domodedovo airport from its owners. As officials and business elites mingled at the forum, barely a word about it was uttered on the conference floor.

Third time lucky

The seizure of Domodedovo airport from businessman Dmitry Kamenshchik is no ordinary case of nationalization among the dozens, if not hundreds, the government has pulled off since it invaded Ukraine. This was personal for the security services, who spent more than 20 years trying to seize the airport.