EU about to face "retaliation" from Russia after sanctions

Russia's Economy Minister has referred to the extension of the ban on agricultural imports from the EU as a "retaliatory blow" to the bloc following the extension of sanctions against Moscow.

“We will also maintain the current status quo of the ban on agricultural imports. It is also possible to extend this ban to some other products,” Russian Economy Minister Alexei Uluykayev told RIA, Reuters reported.

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Russia will expand the ban on agricultural imports from the EU (photo: Sputnik)

The EU's extension of sanctions against Russia is expected by ministries and sectors related to the country's economy.

“We expected the sanctions to be extended,” said the Russian Economy Minister.

Bloomberg reported that Moscow is likely to retaliate against the EU by also continuing to maintain import bans on a range of vegetables, fruits, meat and dairy products from the EU.

According to Russian economic officials, Moscow has found alternative sources of products and therefore can continue to maintain the ban on imports of some goods from the EU if necessary.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov also announced the possibility of Moscow retaliating against the EU's decision to extend economic sanctions.

Previously, on the evening of June 17, the European Union announced the extension of economic sanctions against Russia related to the crisis in Ukraine until the end of January 2016, instead of ending on July 31.

European officials said the situation in Ukraine had improved after the Minsk agreement was signed in February. However, since early June, fighting between Kiev and eastern forces has shown signs of escalating again.

Some European leaders reported the presence of Russian soldiers fighting for the Eastern forces and accused Russia of supporting the East to cause conflict and break the Minsk 2 agreement. Therefore, the extension of sanctions is considered by EU leaders to put pressure on Russia. The EU also emphasized that it will continue to maintain its policy of supporting Ukraine.

In March, EU leaders also announced that they would not lift sanctions against Russia if the ceasefire agreement was not fully implemented.

The extension of sanctions is expected to be formally approved when European Union foreign ministers meet on June 22.

The European Union decided to impose economic sanctions on Russia since last year. The sanctions include restrictions on Russian state-owned banks' access to European financial markets. Arms deals involving Russia are also banned./.

According to VOV.VN