MOSCOW, July 23 (RIA Novosti) — Russia may suspend imports of all food products from Ukraine due to the country’s association with the European Union, a senior official with Russia’s agricultural watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor said Wednesday.
“When they [Ukraine] start observing European regulations, which differ from those of the CIS [Commonwealth of Independent States], a whole range of issues will arise. That’s why there is a possibility of suspending all [food] products from Ukraine to Russia,” said Alexei Alexeyenko, an aide to the Rosselkhoznadzor chief.
According to Alexeyenko, Rosselkhoznadzor has offered its Ukrainian counterpart to hold negotiations on a number of issues.
“Perhaps, we will come to an agreement and will not suspend delivery. We offered to hold them [negotiations] at any time, but have not yet received a response,” he said.
Earlier on Wednesday, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Moscow will have to resort to protective measures if Ukraine’s association deal with the European Union poses risks for the Russian economy.
Ukraine signed the agreement on its association with the EU on June 27. Russia voiced concern over the economic loss the new association would present for it by triggering an uncontrolled flow of duty-free goods.
