Russia will suspend exports of wheat, meslin, rye, barley and corn to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) until Aug 31 in a move to secure its home market with enough food, the economy ministry said on Thursday, March 11, Reuters reports.

Russia will also ban sugar exports to third countries until Aug 31 but some exceptions would be possible for the EEU countries, membership of which comprises Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia itself, the ministry added.

Russia has also hit back at western sanctions for invading Ukraine by imposing export bans on a string of products until the end of 2022. The ban covers exports of telecoms, medical, vehicle, agricultural, and electrical equipment, as well as some forestry products such as timber. The export ban includes more than 200 products. The measures will last until the end of the year.