Russia Bans Fruit Imports From Moldova

Russia has announced a ban on imports of fruit from Moldova due to what the Kremlin says are numerous violations with supplies.

Rosselkhoznadzor, the Russian agriculture watchdog, says the ban will go into effect on July 21.

It includes a block on imports of fresh apples, pears, and quince apples as well as fresh apricots, cherries, peaches, nectarines, and plums.

Moldova -- along with Ukraine and Georgia -- signed landmark economic and political accords last month with the European Union.

The move infuriated the Kremlin, which has repeatedly used economic pressure to try to stop former republics from attaining closer integration with the EU.

Based on reporting by Interfax, ITAR-TASS, Reuters, and AP