(VOVWORLD) - Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has expanded the list of Ukrainian citizens on whom special economic sanctions are imposed by Russia.
The government order was published on Monday on its official legal information website and took effect on Tuesday.
According to the order, nine more people were added to the list, including officials and representatives of the Odessa city Council. Russia also expanded a list of banned imports from Ukraine, including certain kinds of sugar, starch, and medical equipment.
Vladimir Dzabarov, deputy chair of the foreign affairs committee of Russia's upper house, said the sanction expansion is a retaliation measure. The sanctions will be removed immediately if Kiev removes its sanctions on Russia.