“We are convinced that they should not be weakened”, the minister said, speaking to parliamentarians.
Relations between Russia and the West have deteriorated over the situation in Ukraine. Firsly, the EU imposed individual sanctions against individuals which will last up to September 15, 2016. Sectoral restrictive measures that affect entire sectors of the economy, are in force until July 31, and the sanctions against the Russian Crimea – up to June 23. In response, Russia restricted imports of food products from countries that have imposed sanctions against her. In June 2015, Russia prolonged the food embargo for a year – until August 5, 2016.