Putin to Address Key Global Issues at St. Petersburg Forum

St. Petersburg, Jun 18 (AP) Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to engage with international journalists on Wednesday during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

Putin has planned a roundtable discussion with senior news executives from global news agencies, including The Associated Press. Among various topics, he is anticipated to outline Moscow's stance on the conflict between Israel and Iran. This follows his offer to mediate the dispute during a weekend call with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Russia has historically walked a careful line in the Middle East, balancing its friendly relations with Israel while cultivating strong economic and military ties with Iran. This policy potentially positions Moscow as a key player in brokering a resolution to the confrontation.

Observers will pay close attention to Putin's remarks for insights into his strategy regarding the ongoing three-year conflict in Ukraine, where Russia has intensified its aerial and ground attacks along the extensive front line exceeding 1,000 kilometers. Putin has dismissed Trump's proposal for an immediate 30-day ceasefire, instead making it contingent on Ukraine halting its mobilization efforts and freezing Western arms supplies.

The Russian president has utilized the annual forum to promote Russia's economic accomplishments and attract foreign investment. Historically, Western business leaders attended the event, but they have largely stayed away since Putin's deployment of troops into Ukraine in February 2022, with attendance now mostly from business personalities in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

During the forum, Putin is expected to convene with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, who currently leads the New Development Bank established by the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). Discussions with top officials from China, South Africa, Bahrain, and the leader of OPEC are also on the agenda.

On Friday, Putin is set to participate in a panel discussion at the forum, a platform he often uses to deliver policy announcements. (AP)

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