“Russia is worried it will be flooded by European goods if Ukraine removes import duties with the EU under agreements likely to be signed in November, but also fears Kyiv is making a pivotal shift away from Moscow”, – EurActiv points out.
"This is Ukraine's choice and we have to respect it, but at the same time money has to be taken into account," First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov told the Reuters Russia Investment Summit in Moscow.
"If they have a stronger economy, it will be a plus, but only if it is not achieved by making us weaker."
He denied Moscow was putting pressure on Kyiv or drawing up plans to retaliate. But he also said Russia would have to act "if there is evidence of dumping or the use of hidden forms (of protectionism) such as support for exports, support for agricultural producers".
“Shuvalov's remarks made clear Moscow had not been appeased by Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov, who tried on Saturday to soothe Russian fears over planned agreements with the EU on political association and free trade”, – EurActiv says.
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