Moscow, Kyiv To Hold Talks On Trade Issues

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev

The prime ministers of Russia and Ukraine have consulted by telephone and agreed that the two countries will hold talks in the coming days about "problems in the trade and economics spheres."

The press service of Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev made the announcement on August 18.

On August 14, Russia began intensely inspecting all cargo coming from Ukraine, causing massive delays at the border.

Russian presidential economics adviser Sergei Glaziyev told journalists in Sochi on August 18 that "Russian customs officials conducted prophylactic measures connected with anticipated changes in the customs regime in the event that Ukraine signs an Association Agreement with the European Union."

Kyiv is expected to sign the EU accord in November.

Moscow has been pushing Kyiv to join the Russia-led Eurasian Customs Union instead.

Based on reporting by ITAR-TASS and Interfax