In response to the extension of Western sanctions on Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin has prolonged Russian counter-sanctions by the end of 2020.
The Kremlin chief today signed a decree banning imports of fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy products from the EU, US, Canada, Australia and some other countries.
These states imposed sanctions on Russia in 2014 following the annexation of the Ukrainian Crimea and assistance to pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine. These include entry bans, lockdowns and limited access to high technology for the important oil and gas industry. As a result, Russia responded with counter-sanctions and extended them several times.
The EU decided to extend its trade and investment restrictions until the end of January 2020, despite losing billions for domestic companies only last week. In addition, sanctions against the Crimea still apply. From German industry, but also from other EU countries, there are repeated demands to repeal the punitive measures because they are politically ineffective for the solution of the conflict in Ukraine.
