Although the relationship with Ankara is improving, no decision has been made yet about lifting the boycott on fruits and vegetables, according to Prime Minister Medvedev in an article on Russian news website RT.com. This was the response of the Prime Minister to earlier reports of retailers hoping to resume import again. “Russia is not in any hurry, and will not rush to welcome the Turks with open arms,” said Medvedev. The topic is on the agenda for talks with the Turks. At present, many Russian fruits and vegetables can be found on the shelves, but there is a danger of shortages in the autumn, when Turkish import usually enters the market. Russian supermarkets hope that the boycott will be lifted by then.
Putin closes borders to transit
From 1 July, the Russian borders have been closed to transit from boycotted products to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. On the pretext of transit, illegal products were brought into Russia. Earlier this year Russia already summoned Ukrainian lorries to be equipped with a special GPS tracking system and additional identification markings. This week Russia stopped 50 Ukrainian lorries, who supposedly broke the new law. According to Ukrainian authorities the lorries were already in Russia before the law came into force, and therefore should be allowed free passage.
Negotiations to end boycott Moldavia
A high-ranking diplomat from Russia negotiated with Moldavia about lifting the sanctions earlier this month. No agreement has been reached yet. Moldavia has been boycotted since the country signed an association agreement with the EU in July 2014. About 90 per cent of Moldavian apples were exported to Russia. Furthermore, the country is in conflict with the seceded province of Transnistria. Russian soldiers are keeping the peace in the area.