Russian authorities have stopped 50 Ukrainian trucks with goods bound for Kazakhstan at a checkpoint in Smolensk, the RBC news website reported Tuesday.
Local authorities claim their cargo breaks new restrictions placed on Ukrainian goods transiting through the country.
Goods that fall under Russia's food embargo against the West and goods with import duties can now no longer be moved to Kygyzstan or Kazakhstan via Russia, according to a new law signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday.
The restrictions apply both to Ukrainian goods and to any cargo from a third country that has passed through Ukraine.
Ukrainian cargo trucks have also been required to use special identifying marks and GPS tracking systems while in Russian territory since the beginning of the year.
The Kazakhstan Chamber of Entrepreneurs maintain that the trucks are not subject to the new restrictions as they crossed the border of the Eurasian Economic Union prior to July 1.
Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine Stepan Kubiv has promised to draft a bill limiting the transit of Russian goods through the territory of Ukraine in response to the latest restrictions.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
