Putin touts Russian economy as Western investors avoid St. Petersburg event

Tallinn – President Vladimir Putin on Friday touted Russia’s prospects at a major international economic forum in Russia despite the difficult situation. international sanctions imposed for war in Ukraine.

Western officials and investors have opted not to attend this year’s St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, which begins Wednesday and runs through Saturday. For decades, the rally has become Russia’s premier event for attracting foreign capital, sometimes compared to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

The Kremlin has banned journalists from “unfriendly” countries from covering proceedings. The Russian government has given this designation to a number of countries that sanctioned Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, including the United States, Canada, European Union member states and Australia.

Officials did not provide a list. Foreign company Although there were no attendees, a program of over 100 panel discussions indicated that a significant number of speakers were from Russia.

“We are not on the path of self-isolation. Quite the opposite,” Putin said at the forum’s plenary session. “We have developed connections with trusted and responsible partners in countries and regions that serve as the engines and drivers of today’s global economy. Everyone understands that clearly.”

While one of the sessions on the program touted Russia as a “global tech hub,” other panels explained that Russia has been a major economic force since the arrival of Russian troops in Ukraine about 16 months ago. It was tacitly acknowledged that it was systematically excluded.

President Putin too fiercely defended Russia’s actions in Ukraine and repeated his claim Despite President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Jewish roots, the Ukrainian government claims to be a neo-Nazi regime.

Some Jewish groups have praised Mr Zelensky, but Putin said: “My Jewish friends say Mr Zelensky is not Jewish, but he is a Jew’s shame.” rice field.

Putin has confirmed that Russia has launched its first military operation. Belarusian tactical nuclear weapons, The plans had been previously announced, but he gave a mixed assessment of Russia’s willingness to use them.

“Nuclear weapons are created to ensure our security and the existence of the Russian state in the broadest sense. But first of all, we don’t need that,” Putin said. .

But he added, “In the event of a national threat to Russia, extreme measures may be used.” In this case, we will certainly use every force and means at the disposal of the Russian state. “

Putin also denied the possibility of reducing Russia’s nuclear arsenal, laughing softly and swearing: NATO Countries. They know it and we are constantly persuaded to start cut negotiations. They are hell, as our people say. “

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Follow the Associated Press coverage of the Ukraine war: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine