Russian President Vladimir Putin may hold a series of meetings with businessmen and investors as part of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov told TASS. When asked by a journalist whether it is planned to hold a traditional meeting of Putin with the heads of foreign companies and international investors within the framework of the forum, Peskov said: “No, this meeting is not planned to be held this year.”

Putin has traditionally used the arena of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum to discuss pressing issues with foreign businessmen. Usually such meetings are held behind closed doors, there are no specific issues at them, and representatives of foreign companies can raise all issues of concern to the President of Russia. Last year, Putin met with foreign businessmen via video link in connection with the restrictions imposed amid the coronavirus pandemic. It was attended by representatives of the international investment community and major foreign companies.

The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, organized by the Ross Congress Foundation, will be held from June 15 to 18 under the motto: “New World – New Opportunities”.