Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet with the heads of global news agencies on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). The forum is scheduled to take place in St. Petersburg from June 18 to June 21.

The President’s press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, confirmed the meeting would occur this year. President Putin is scheduled to speak on Friday, June 20.

A similar meeting was held last year with representatives from major agencies including Reuters, DPA, AP, EFE, AFP, and Kyodo.

In related news, the St. Petersburg administration has advised residents to minimize personal car travel during the forum. Increased traffic is expected on the Western High-Speed Diameter (ZSD) from June 17 to June 23 due to vehicles transporting participants and guests. Short-term traffic restrictions imposed by government agencies are possible and trucks are temporarily prohibited from using certain sections of the ZSD and other highways.