The Kremlin announced today, Saturday, that journalists from "unfriendly countries" will not be allowed to attend the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, which Russian President Vladimir Putin uses to showcase the Russian economy to international investors. The forum has been held in St. Petersburg since 1997 and is widely seen by officials as Russia's equivalent to the World Economic Forum in Davos.
This marks the first time that attendance for Western journalists has been restricted in such a significant manner. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, told the TASS news agency, "It has already been decided this time not to allow media from unfriendly countries to enter the forum." He added, "The interest in the forum is always great; all other journalists will work in the venue."
The term "unfriendly countries" is used by Moscow to describe nations that have imposed sanctions in relation to the war in Ukraine. Forum organizers notified Reuters' Moscow office yesterday, Friday, that their journalists' credentials were revoked after having received prior approval on Thursday. Reuters requested a written clarification on the matter, but no explanation has been provided yet. This year's forum will take place from June 14 to 17.
