Azarov explains problems with Ukrainian imports to Russia by processes in Customs Union
Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has said that problems in trade with Russia were related to the formation and structuring of the Customs Union.
"Right now, there are some difficulties, which we believe are associated primarily with the formation, structuring and formalization of the Customs Union. We've started having differences in approaches," he told reporters in Luhansk on Thursday.
The prime minister urged the media not to blow the situation out of proportion.
"At the moment, our mass media are creating hype over the alleged conflict. Yes, there are problems but these problems should not be blown out of proportion or artificially exaggerated," he said.
The resolution of the issue depends on the stances of the two countries, Azarov said.
"This is not simple, it is difficult work, but it will, of course, bring results. We are quite certain of this," he said.
There is no need to set the cooperation of Ukraine with the European Union against its cooperation with the Customs Union, Azarov said once again.
"We do not have an alternative. We will develop our cooperation with Europe and the Customs Union member-states," he said.
As reported, the press service of the Federation of Employers of Ukraine reported on August 14 that the Customs Service of the Russian Federation put all Ukrainian imports on the list of potentially dangerous goods on August 14, which halted the shipment of goods from Ukraine for an indefinite time.
According to the federation's estimates, the export of Ukrainian goods to Russia in July-December was forecasted at $8.5 billion. The losses of Ukraine from Russia's actions may reach $2-2.5 billion in the second half of the year, the federation said.
A number of large Ukrainian producers later said that they had difficulties moving their products across the Russian border.