MOSCOW, July 23. /ITAR-TASS/. Russia may ban food imports from Ukraine after the country’s association with the European Union, the Russian agricultural watchdog said on Wednesday.

Earlier on Wednesday, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said  Russia will protect its economic interests in the world using all legal means. 

Medvedev has confirmed that Russia may introduce measures for the protection of its economy in connection with European association of Ukraine and Moldova - countries that simultaneously fall within the zone of free trade with Russia. “We objectively assess negative consequences of such decisions for our economy. We consider these risks as rather serious, especially regarding technical regulation, standards, sanitary and phyto-sanitary control,” he said. “Therefore, we are holding consultations with the EU, partners in the Customs Union and CIS, and we will have to introduce protection measures in a certain situation,” Medvedev stressed.