Russia has taken the first step to tighten the sanctions against Europe. Re-exports from Bulgaria have been prohibited since last weekend and the Kremlin does not discard adding more countries to the list. The reason is alleged document fraud. Cabbage prices in Russia have tripled over the past six months; a big hit, considering cabbage, potatoes and carrots are key ingredients in Slavic cuisine. Russians are increasingly feeling the impact of the conflict and are coming across more empty shelves where brand products used to be available.
Russia tightens boycott
The Kremlin wants to further tighten the boycott on European products. The most important reason is the large number of interceptions of products that fail to meet the import requirements. In recent weeks, several shipments were stopped with paperwork not in order and which Russia suspected to be illegal re-exports from Europe. The first country to which stricter rules will apply is Bulgaria. Moscow suspects Bulgarian companies of illegal export, shipping European products as Moroccan, Brazilian or Chinese.
Yulia Shvabauskene, Vice President of the Russian agricultural regulator, reported to the Russian press that this is only the beginning. Russia is "studying the possibility of European re-export documents not being accepted anymore." That means re-exports from Europe would also be boycotted.
Cabbage prices have tripled
Cabbage is one of the products that shows the most substantial price increases in Russian supermarkets. The average price stands currently at around 40 Rouble (0.70 Euro) per kilo, which is three times higher than six months ago. Some stores have increased cabbage prices by 400%, as reported by analysts to the Moscow Times. Cabbage, potatoes and carrots are key ingredients in Slavic cuisine. For prices to rise after the New Year is normal because of the declining stock; however, this year they are extremely high. Russia produces 75% of the cabbage consumed. For the remaining 25%, the country depends on imports, historically mainly from the EU. According to the Russian government, with the start of the harvest there will be an end to the rising food prices.
More Russians feeling impact of sanctions
A Russian study shows that 37% of Russians have noticed that some of their favourite brands are no longer available on the supermarket shelves. Six months ago, it was 26%. VTB Capital wrote in a report that the household expenditure on food is expected to fall by between 50 and 55%.
Pro-Putin motorcycle club not allowed in Poland
Members of the Russian motorcycle club Night Wolves are being stopped at the border with Poland. Poland perceives the entry of its Pro-Putin members as provocation. The members of the club were on their way to Berlin for the anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. Belarus allowed them access, but at the Polish border, customs officers carried out an extensive check on them and then sent them back. Germany says that the motorcycle club is not welcome in Berlin.