Russia has announced that journalists from “unfriendly countries” will not attend this year’s St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

Amid the war between Russia and Ukraine, western journalists have never been banned from covering the forum due to the tensions between these countries.

Western media that had earlier received confirmation for their visit have been notified that they will not be allowed to the forum.

According to Russia’s state-owned media, Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for the Kremlin, listed unfriendly countries and imposed sanctions on journalists from those countries.

“It was decided not to accredit media outlets from unfriendly countries to the SPIEF this time,” Mr Peskov said. “Interest in SPIEF is always great. All other journalists will work on the site.”

The Russian government will showcase the country’s economy to global investors during the forum.

The forum, to be held on June 14 to 17, was built by the former imperial capital, Tsar Peter the Great, 300 years ago as a window to Europe.

The forum in St Petersburg has been held annually since 1997. 

It is considered Russia’s version of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.