MOSCOW – Russia will respond to the extension of EU sanctions against Russia by extending its countersanctions to December 31, 2018, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said.
“In this situation we, naturally, will respond adequately. Yesterday I discussed this situation with the president. The government will submit a proposal to extend the action of the reciprocal measures by another year, to December 31, 2018,” Medvedev said at a government meeting on Thursday.
He said Russia was forced to take this step to protect its own national interests and its agriculture sector.
Russia’s position is unchanged, he said. “The regime of mutual economic restrictions has no prospects,” he said.
“Unfortunately, our European partners continue with their non-constructive line with respect to our country. Once again, politics is rising above economics, and, generally speaking, above common sense,” Medvedev said. “In this situation Russia will respond adequately,” he said.
Russia supports its own agriculture by imposing response measures, he said.
“Our agrarians have on several occasions asked to extend these measures and to indicate how these will work in the near future. We’ll do so and I’m sure they’ll be able to take full advantage of these favorable opportunities,” he said.
