(Moscow) Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman said on Saturday that journalists from countries Russia considers unfriendly have been denied permission to cover this year’s economic forum in St Petersburg, one of key events in the country.

The move underscores heightened animosity between Russia and countries that have imposed sanctions related to the fighting in Ukraine or criticized Moscow.

The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, which runs June 14-17, has been Russia’s way of touting its development and seeking investors for decades. Vladimir Putin’s appearances at the forum have been highly visible, and he has often used the occasion to host roundtables with international news officials.

” Yes indeed. It has been decided not to accredit media from non-friendly countries to the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum this time,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted by state news agency Tass as saying.

Russia officially designates dozens of countries, including the United States, Canada, members of the European Union and Australia, as “not friendly” under sanctions imposed over the conflict in Ukraine.