Russia is set to expand sanctions against Turkey, prohibiting joint projects in the hospitality industry, woodworking and pilot training, the Kommersant newspaper reported Wednesday, citing a copy of a draft decree, prepared by the Ministry for Economic Development.
The new measures also ban Turkish citizens from participating in state purchases, according to the document drawn up at the order of Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, according to Kommersant.
The restrictions will affect only new contracts and won't apply to agreements made before Dec. 10, the newspaper reported, citing an unidentified official close to the matter.
Russian-Turkish ties have worsened considerably after Turkey shot down a Russian fighter jet near the Syrian border on Nov. 24.
Russia responded to the incident with the introduction of a package of sanctions against the country. The restrictions include the ban on charter flights to Turkey from Dec.1 and suspension of visa-free regime with Turkey from Jan.1, 2016.
In addition, Russia prohibited the imports of many Turkish food products including fruits, vegetables, poultry and salt and imposed a ban on hiring Turkish nationals.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
