Putin Extends Russia's Ban on Western Food Imports by 1 Year

President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to extend the ban on certain food imports from the US, the European Union, Australia, Canada, and Norway by one year in response to the EU's decision to prolong the sanctions against Moscow.

The restrictions will be extended by a year starting June 24, 2015, according to reports of the TASS news agency.

Putin announced Wednesday that he had signed the decree following a request by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.

The measure comes in response to Monday's decision of EU leaders to extend trade and investment sanctions against Russia until the end of 2015.

On August 1, 2014 the EU imposed sanctions against Russia over the conflict in Ukraine.

The scope and validity period of the restrictions were increased several times.

Moscow resorted to counter-measures in response.