Baby food and alcoholic drinks, including wine, have been excluded from the embargo the Russian government decided to impose on imports from EU countries, the United States, Australia, Canada and Norway.

The ban on Greek goods exported to Russia will not apply on olive oil and olives.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev announced that “Russia is imposing a full ban on imports of beef, pork, fruit and vegetables, poultry, fish, cheeses, milk and dairy products,”.

He clarified that the measures taken is a response to the sanctions imposed by US and Europe adding that “We did not wish for such a development. There is nothing positive regarding the sanctions”.

He also added that “economy pragratism should prevail over the unwise political views of our partners and they should think it twice if they want want to isolate or threaten Russia”.

According to the Russian government announcement, the ban, which is immediately put in effect, will last one year.

European Commission expressed its discontent regarding the Russian embargo on European products by issuing a statement.

“This announcement is clearly politically motivated. The Commission will assess the measures in question as soon as we have more information as to their full content and extent.”

The statement also mentions that “European Union’s restrictive measures are directly linked with the illegal annexation of Crimea and destabilisation of Ukraine” and that “European Union remains committed to de-escalating the situation in Ukraine”.

European Commission also stated that they reserve the right to take appropriate action, after completing a full assessment of the Russian Federation’s measures.