Statement of the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers due to the introduction of additional restrictions for transit of Ukrainian goods via Russia

Yesterday, on 3 July, 2016, the Russian Federation made another step aimed at intensifying of the trade war with Ukraine.

The Russian President issued a new order regarding restrictions for transit of goods via Russia, including Ukrainian ones, till 31 December 2017.

This order introduces additional restrictions for transit of Ukrainian goods across Russia, including the current transit restrictions for goods going to Kazakhstan apply to transit to Kyrgyzstan. The full ban of transit of goods on which embargo has been imposed is introduced (according to the approved list).

The introduction of these restrictions by the Russian Federation is expected to lead to the artificial worsening of the conditions of Ukraine’s trade with third countries, in particular, in the Central Asia, which will mean a reduction in Ukrainian exports.

This is a politically motivated act of the Russian Federation, which is another manifestation of Russian aggression against Ukraine.

These restrictions are another flagrant violation of international obligations of the Russian Federation, in particular, taken in the framework of the World Trade Organization and the Agreement on the free trade area of 18 October, 2011.

The Government has been taking and will take all possible measures to protect Ukraine's interests and counter any displays of aggression by Russia. We have prepared the adequate measures, which will be in force immediately.

Operational headquarters and hotlines of the Ministry of Economic Development and the Ministry of Infrastructure operate for continuous monitoring of the situation regarding exports to Russia and transit across its territory, as well as providing the Ukrainian business with information.

At the same time, the Ukrainian Government raises the issue of Russia’s violation of international law in the World Trade Organization and other international organizations as well as with our international partners.

We demand from Russia the immediate removal of the imposed restrictive measures against Ukrainian exports to other countries.