Moscow wants proof Belarus does not re-export sanctioned foodstuffs

Moscow is waiting for evidence from Minsk that Belarus is not engaged in re-exporting products banned from entering the Russian Federation, Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Gordeyev said in a statement for media.

“We need evidence that such violations will no longer be allowed by the Belarusian authorities. Re-export deliveries have been repeatedly recorded under the guise of them coming from Belarus, while in fact they came from different European countries,” Gordeyev is quoted by the Russian state news agency Ria.ru. 

Mr Gordeyev also said that the relevant agencies in Belarus and Russia are holding talks "to make sure that proper controls are in place."

Last week, Alyaksandr Lukashenka was outraged by the number of sanctions imposed by the “trade partner.” He concluded Russian was shutting its market for Belarus-made products. “The good that we do for the Russian Federation constantly turns out to be evil for us,” said the Belarusian leader. “They have already become arrogant to such an extent that they begin to twist our arms.” Lukashenka also voiced a possible answer. Moscow did not agree with such a position.