The experts will start their inspections on February 22 and draw up the results of their work upon return to Moscow.
The Russian government took a decision to send veterinary experts to Ukraine, after Russian Agriculture Minister Alexei Gordeyev held negotiations with deputies of Ukraine's Supreme Rada (parliament) from the Regions Party led by former prime minister Viktor Yanukovich. The meeting took place on February 14 on the request of the Russian pro-Kremlin United Russia party.
Russia imposed a ban on meat imports from Ukraine on January 20, accusing its neighbor of failing to meet veterinary standards. Russia said the ban would stay in effect until the Ukrainian side provided full guarantees of strict veterinary control.
