Russia Bans Western Media From Flagship Economic Forum
- Journalists from unfriendly countries banned from covering St. Petersburg International Economic Forum
- Forum is a key event for Russia to showcase development and attract investors
- Putin often holds roundtable discussions with international news executives at the forum
- Russia designates many countries, including the US, Canada, EU members, and Australia, as unfriendly in connection with sanctions over the conflict in Ukraine.
- The forum has been held since 1997 and is considered Russia's answer to the World Economic Forum held in Davos.