New Delhi, June 6 -- 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.

Held annually in St. Petersburg, SPIEF is Russia's premier economic and investment conference. Often compared to the World Economic Forum in Davos, the event brings together government officials, business lea...