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Ukrainian government extends ban on Russian imports

The ban is extended till December 31, 2017

KIEV, July 6. /TASS/. Ukrainian government has extended the ban on Russian imports to the country till December 31, 2017.

"To extend the restriction on imports of goods from the Russian Federation approved by the cabinet decree from December 30, 2015, to the customs area through December 31, 2017," Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Economic Development and Trade Stepan Kubiv at the government meeting on Wednesday, adding that the decision to extend the sanctions against Russian goods "has been prepared for ensuring Ukraine’s national security in response to Russia’s introduction of respective trade bans and restrictions against Ukraine."

According to Kubiv, bilateral trade restrictions have caused a 42% decrease in trade between the two countries in January-April this year. Also, he said, Kiev is still losing other markets due to this measure.

The current ban would expire on August 5, 2016, that is "after repeal of the ban on imports of Ukrainian agricultural goods, products and primary produce to the customs area of the Russian Federation."

The free trade zone regime with the European Union came into force in Ukraine starting January 1, 2016. According to Russia’s Foreign Ministry, Moscow had to assume measures to downplay emerging risks for its economy in the current environment and suspended the free trade zone agreement regarding Ukraine.