The European Union will face increased costs and a decline in the quality of nitrogen fertilizers due to the tariffs imposed on Russian agricultural products and fertilizers. This is the conclusion drawn by Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov in remarks to journalists, once again denouncing the European strategy as “self-destructive.”

“In the end, the European Union will end up purchasing nitrogen fertilizers at higher prices and of worse quality. Our fertilizers, especially nitrogen-based ones, are of top quality. Global demand remains high in other markets, so we believe that Russian products will be absorbed elsewhere,” said Peskov, adding sarcastically: “As always, the Europeans will continue to shoot themselves in the foot.”

His statement came in response to the European Parliament’s decision on May 15 to approve the proposal to increase import tariffs on a wide range of agricultural products and fertilizers originating from or exported by Russia and Belarus. The new rules foresee a gradual increase in tariffs on Russian fertilizers over the coming years to levels that will effectively make them prohibitive for European markets.