BRUSSELS, December 21. /TASS/. Russian Economic Development Minister Alexey Ulykayev has called Ukraine’s reaction to the food embargo imposed by Russia against Kiev "emotional".

He made this statement to reporters after the negotiations between Russia, the EU and Ukraine on Monday.

"As for the publication of these decisions, what I would like to say first is that our partners took it emotionally, even though I explained that there is no reason for being emotional there, because in September I warned the colleagues about these very consequences if we fail to agree," he said.

Earlier on Monday, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said he had signed a ruling on the introduction of the most favored nation regime instead of an agreement on free trade zone with Ukraine, as well as the application of the regime of counter-sanctions against Ukraine from 2016.

According to the minister, Russia has to defend its commercial interests in relations with Ukraine unilaterally.

"We note that the solution was not reached, Russia was left alone with its anxiety, with risks. And we have to protect our economic interests unilaterally. We warned about this from the very beginning," Ulyukayev said, noting that Russia for a long time has been doing everything possible for multilateral cooperation.

"But if we are denied this, we have no choice other than to unilaterally protect the interests of the Russian economy, Russian manufacturers and Russian citizens," he added.