Russian Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov has stated that restrictions on the import of certain goods from Armenia will not have a negative impact on the Russian economy.

Reshetnikov, in an interview with the Russian newspaper Izvestiya, claimed that Armenian imports had “relatively low consumption.”

“I am ready to speak on behalf of our market. Of course, it will not affect our market. Yesterday I was asked what will happen with inflation and so on. These are goods with relatively low consumption. We have always met the main demand through our own domestic production where necessary. In those areas, we have a fairly diversified system of suppliers in our market. Of course, we value everyone, but there will be no problems for our economy,” the Russian minister said when asked about the potential impact on the Russian economy of its recently announced ban on imports from Armenia.

Russia recently banned imports of flowers produced in Armenia, as well as Jermuk mineral water, some alcoholic beverages, vegetables (including tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and greens), and strawberries.