Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to answer questions from Western journalists in St. Petersburg today against the backdrop of the war against Ukraine and the conflict between Iran and Israel, DPA reported, quoted by BTA.
On the first day of the annual St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin will meet with representatives of international news agencies to present his point of view on global issues, the Kremlin announced yesterday.
In the past, the question-and-answer session, to which DPA was also invited, has lasted for hours. The main focus is expected to once again be on the war in Ukraine.
Russia is using the forum to counter international isolation, DPA notes. In addition, the forum is considered a place to seek ways to circumvent sanctions imposed on the resource-rich country as a result of the war. Moscow continues to call these sanctions illegal.
A business dialogue has also been organized between Russia and the United States, after the two countries have improved their relations since US President Donald Trump came to power.
According to organizers, last year's largest economic event in the country brought together about 22,000 participants from 139 countries.
On Friday, Putin plans to give a speech on economic policy, as he does every year, and answer questions in a panel discussion.
Despite limited economic contacts, the forum is attended by many entrepreneurs and lecturers from Western countries.
Although Russia has recorded relatively high economic growth thanks to the military industry and exports of raw materials, the country faces high inflation and a key interest rate that makes investments more expensive.