Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman said on Saturday that journalists from countries Russia considers unfriendly have been denied permission to cover this year’s economic forum in St Petersburg, one of the country’s main events.
The move underscores growing hostility between Russia and countries that have imposed sanctions related to the fighting in Ukraine or criticized Moscow.
The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, which runs from June 14-17, has been Russia’s way of promoting its development and searching for investors for decades. Vladimir Putin’s appearance at the forum was very visible, and he often used the occasion to hold round tables with international news officials.
Yes really. It was decided not to accredit media from countries unfriendly to the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum this time
The official Tass news agency quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying.
Russia officially designates dozens of countries, including the United States, Canada, European Union members and Australia, as “unfriendly” under sanctions over the Ukraine conflict.
