EU Commissioner calls on Russia to lift restrictions on transit of Ukrainian goods
The European Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy, Johannes Hahn, urged the Russian Federation to abandon the restrictions imposed on transit of Ukrainian cargoes, and asked Ukraine not to hurry into counter measures, as he stated during a briefing in Kiev, 112 Ukraine reports.
“I do not agree with such measures because they do not contribute to the positive development of the whole region including Russia … I call on Russia to change its mind. Of course, we will take advantages of the opportunity on our part in order to address these issues,” the European Commissioner said.
“On the other hand, I understand the temptation on the part of Ukraine to use counter measures as a response but that’s not, so to say, what will contribute positively to a peaceful solution,” Hahn said.
According to him, counter sanctions would not benefit Ukraine’s economic development.
The Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers decided to extend the embargo against the import of Russian goods until 31 December 2017. The resolution is already in effect.
As of 1 January 2016, Russia has imposed a food embargo against Ukraine as a country which supported sanctions against Russia. Meat, sausage, fish and seafood, vegetables, fruits, dairy products all fall under the embargo. In response, Kyiv has approved a list of 43 items and then expanded it; the ban includes baked goods, meats, cheeses, chocolate, beer, vodka, filtered cigarettes, food for dogs and cats and other products. In addition, equipment for railways, tramways and diesel-electric locomotives fall under the ban.