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Leaders of factions of the Russian State Duma have approved a law "On suspension by the Russian Federation of the Treaty on a free trade area with Ukraine," not to allow "Ukraine to enter the EU at the expense of Russia," a Russia-based UNIAN correspondent reported with reference to a statement of representatives of the Russian parliamentary factions.
State Duma deputy from the United Russia party faction Oleg Lebedev said that "against this background, the relationships with Ukraine do not end, the [free trade] agreement is suspended."
"I'm sure the time will come when wisdom will prevail in Ukraine, and the agreement will become effective again, because the Ukrainian people, despite the official position of the Ukrainian authorities, has been and remain fraternal people for us. The United Russia faction supports the ratification," Lebedev said.
Also, Tatyana Moskalkova, the member of the Fair Russia party faction, said her colleagues would support the law on the FTA suspension with Ukraine.
"We express our regret that we have to suspend our agreements, including those with Ukraine regarding the free trade area. We hope this is not the denunciation, but only suspension, which will allow resuming profitable trade relations," Moskalkova said.
According to Moskalkova, Russia has to defend its "competitive environment."
Read alsoRussia claims billion in losses due to EU-Ukraine associationAs UNIAN reported earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed on December 16 a decree suspending the agreement on a free trade area regarding Ukraine from January 1, 2016.
Putin said Russia would not impose sanctions against Ukraine, but the validity of the FTA would be suspended.
However, on December 21, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev stated Russia would introduce a food embargo on Ukrainian goods next year.