ft社评普京的赌博（FT editorial Putin gamble）.docVIP

ft社评普京的赌博（FT editorial Putin gamble） FT editorial: Putin gamble The world has been waiting for Moscows response since the United States and its European allies increased sanctions against Russia last week to punish the latter for continuing to undermine stability in Ukraine. Yesterday, Vladimir Putin (Vladimir Putin) signed a stroke of pen, gave a response. The Russian President signed a decree banning imports of farm products and other foods from the United States, the European Union (EU) and other Western allies. The ban runs for 1 years, including meat, fish and dairy products. In addition, a large number of processed foods are also on the black list. Food is not the only food on the list of Russian bans. Russian Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev (Dmitry Medvedev) said that Russia may ban Western aircraft through its airspace. Other protective measures are also under consideration and may involve many industrial sectors, such as automobile manufacturing and aircraft manufacturing. Although Putins latest moves shocked Western governments, Russias use of farm produce as a weapon was not a new tactic. Russia has already restricted the sale of agricultural products from Georgia and Moldova, and recently banned the import of Poland apples. But the latest proposal of the ordering scope is much broader. Russia is the EUs largest export market for fruits and vegetables, with an annual export value of 2 billion euros and the second largest export market for poultry in the United states. Therefore, the ban will hurt not only American and European producers, but also Russian consumers, because Russia is still a big food importer. Although Russia can find alternatives from other regions, the ban may lead to price inflation and supply shortages in the short term. The poorer Russians are the most affected because their food purchasing costs are higher than their incomes. The Russian economy is also subject to wider negative impacts. A surge in inflation could undermine the stabil