to travel to Russia for work?

[RiddleyW]

I have been asked to attend a 3 day conference in Russia in June. DH doesn’t want me to go because he’s worried it’s dangerous.

This is balls isn’t it?

@MissionItsPossible

Well, being lynched is bound to have lasting effects ...

I think I’ll be relatively safe from crime, I’ll be accompanied mostly. I am planning to go to the Hermitage one morning if I can swing it so I’ll make sure I keep my purse safe if I do.

@bestBuddyBestPal indeed. I don’t know if my heads screwed on these days...

Can you extend the trip for a couple of days to get some sight seeing in?
St Petersburg is beautiful.

Re lynching
Yes there are gangs of disaffected youths in Russia that called themselves neonazis. This is particularly awful when you consider how the Soviet Union suffered during WW2 especially St Petersburg during the blockade (Google it but it's not for the faint-hearted). These gangs sometimes carry out assaults (beatings) which sometimes result in death, against people who they see as gay or they think look as if they come from the Caucasus.

So yes racism and homophobia are far more tolerated in Russia than in the UK. But violent attacks are rare. Compare with the UK where racism is theoretically socially unacceptable but there are still hate crimes .

I've never thought Russia is considered dangerous (unless you're gay or a spy?) and isn't it the World Cup there in June anyway? So will presumably be packed full of tourists anyway

Definitely go, it’s a beautiful city, you’ll regret it if you don’t.

The anti-British propaganda in Russia exists but anti-Russian propaganda in the UK exists too...

carry US dollars on you as a contingency. i have known taxi rides go awry until USD were offered.

i actually sailed into St Petersburg at 5am on the bridge of a cruise ship. one of my all-time ‘wow’ moments.

St Petersburg is a big stop-off for cruise ships and geared to western tourists so you'll be well catered for. I too am awfully jealous