October 15, 2014 - 16:02 AMT
Russia may ban imports of fruits, vegetables from Ukraine

Russia’s agricultural watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor said Wednesday it may impose restrictions on imports of fruits and vegetables from Ukraine starting from Oct 21, according to RIA Novosti.

Russia suspects Ukraine of re-exporting EU agricultural products, banned by Russia in response to Western sanctions earlier this year.

Rosselkhoznadzor requested Ukraine to provide information about the country’s agriculture and harvest in various regions and “present other convincing guarantees that agriculture products, supplied to Russia, were produced in Ukraine” before Oct 21.

If Ukraine fails to grant the request, “Rosselkhoznadzor reserves the right to introduce additional protective measures, such as restrictions on imports of agricultural products, produced in Ukraine or transited via its territory.”

Earlier this year, Russia halted imports of Ukrainian milk and milk products, cheese, certain brands of alcohol, potatoes, soy and soy products, sunflower seeds, canned food, pork and beef.