DUSHANBE, June 30, 2016, Asia-Plus -- According to a document posted on the Russian government’s official website, Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday signed a decree prolonging the food embargo imposed against a number of Western countries until the end of 2017.

“To extend from August 6, 2016 until December 31, 2017, special economic restrictive measures in line with a decree by the Russian president aimed at ensuring Russia''s national security,” the document says.

Russia responded to Western sanctions over Ukrainian conflict and Crimea annexation with imposing on August 6, 2014 a ban on imports of beef, pork, poultry, fish, cheeses, fruit, vegetables and dairy products from Australia, Canada, the EU, the United States and Norway.