"To a certain extent this is a man-made result, the increase in food prices. Why? Because we introduced restrictions on food imports as a response to Western sanctions. We deliberately took this step, bearing in mind that it would free the market, create conditions for the development of our agricultural field. And that is what happened," Putin said at a Q&A session.
"Overall, in the long term, we expect that this will lead to a positive effect: increase our food security, create normal living conditions, improve quality of life in rural areas…that is why I hope — and I am almost certain — that this [increase in prices] is a temporary phenomenon, and gradually, as the market fills up with domestic products, prices will begin to decline. At least they will stabilize," the president added.
