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The Kremlin continues to use trade sanctions as an instrument of political pressure, even on countries with which it maintains partnerships. This time, the target was one of the key states of the Eurasian Economic Union – Kazakhstan.
Ban on the import of Kazakh products
According to nua.in.ua, Russia has announced a ban on imports of Kazakh tomatoes, peppers, melons and other agricultural products, citing sanitary violations. According to the Rosselkhoznadzor, since the beginning of the year, more than 200 cases of imports of products from Kazakhstan that did not meet Russian sanitary requirements have been recorded.
Possible revenge for Kazakhstan’s grain policy
The restrictions appear to be a response to Kazakhstan’s recent decision to limit imports of grain. Prior to this measure, Russia supplied Kazakhstan with up to 3 million tonnes of grain per year, making it an important player on the Kazakh market. Kazakhstan’s restrictions triggered a new wave of economic pressure from Russia.
Kazakhstan’s rejection of BRICS and the deterioration of relations
In addition, Kazakhstan has recently publicly refused to join the BRICS, despite an invitation from Russia. This statement has further exacerbated political tensions between the countries, which likely influenced the Kremlin’s decision on trade sanctions, as TimeUkraineIneisrael previously reported.
Implications for partnerships
This is not the first time that Russia has used economic leverage against other countries, even if they are formally allies within international organisations. The trade restrictions against Kazakhstan demonstrate that the Kremlin continues to use economic blackmail as a means of putting pressure on countries that make political decisions that do not coincide with Moscow’s interests.
