Russia extends embargo on European food products.

(Baonghean.vn) - On Wednesday, June 24th, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an extension of the embargo on food products from European countries for another year. This is reportedly Russia's retaliation for the European Union's statement on June 17th.

On June 24, President Putin emphasized that "From today, Russia will extend its retaliation for another year." Accordingly, the embargo on European food products that Russia imposed in August 2014 will continue until June 2016.

President Putin on June 24. Photo: AFP

Putin's statement didn't surprise many, especially since on June 17th, the European Union decided to extend sanctions against the Russian economy – sanctions that were set to expire in July – until the end of January 2016. These European economic sanctions have severely impacted the entire Russian economy, particularly the banking, military, oil, and investment sectors.

In response to Europe's tough stance, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Pestro warned, "We have said it repeatedly: with sanctions, there is always a principle of reciprocity. And that is our approach."

Chu Thanh

(according to Le Monde)