Russia To Ban Some Agricultural Imports In Response To Sanctions

Russian President Vladimir Putin has taken a new step to retaliate against countries that have hit the nation with sanctions in response to its role in the Ukraine conflict, the Kremlin's press service said Wednesday.

Putin signed an order Wednesday to limit or ban the import of foods and other agricultural products from countries that have signed on to the sanctions, a list that includes the United States, European Union and Japan. Reuters picked up the Kremlin report.

Under the decree, the Russian government will generate a list of all products to be restricted or banned from entering the country, the Kremlin press service said, adding that the ban will remain in place for a year.

The step wasn't entirely unexpected. Russian news outlet, RT, reported Tuesday that Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev hinted at potential responses to sanctions, including the newest round by the EU against Russian airline companies.

“A topic I would like to discuss concerns the consequences of the decision a number of governments have taken in relation to our carriers. We need to discuss possible retaliation,” Medvedev said during an official meeting, according to RT.

Russia was expected to begin banning imports of Polish fruits and vegetables on Aug. 1, according to the Associated Press. Russia has said the ban was approved because of supposed Polish health violations, but Polish authorities have said they believe the ban is actually a response to the EU sanctions, which Poland has supported.