Since the US and its European allies ramped up sanctions on Russia last week in response to its persistent destabilisation of Ukraine, the world has waited for Moscow’s reaction.
Yesterday this finally emerged from the pen of Vladimir Putin. The Russian president signed a decree banning the import of agricultural and food products from the US, EU and several other western allies who have incurred Moscow’s ire. The prohibitions, which last a year, fall on goods including meat, fish and dairy products. A wide range of processed foods have been added to the blacklist.
Nor is food the only item on Russia’s menu. Dmitry Medvedev, the prime minister, has indicated that Moscow may ban western aircraft from its airspace. Other “protective measures” are under consideration. These would potentially fall on a number of industrial sectors, including carmaking and aircraft production.