Update: Russia's government has now published a list of the banned items and origins in question.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree that will ban imports of 'certain' agricultural and food products for one year, targeting countries that have imposed sanctions on Russian countries or individuals.

Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: The Presidential Press and Information Office

The decree is titled "On the Application of Certain Special Economic Measures to Ensure the Security of the Russian Federation", and a release can be accessed here (in Russian).

The document is vague in its wording of which 'agricultural products, raw materials and foodstuffs' will be prohibited for the period, allowing the Kremlin to 'establish a list of specific actions necessary for the implementation of this Decree'.

The decree states that it comes into effect upon its signing.

ITAR-TASS News Agency has reported Putin gave instructions to the government yesterday to consider measures of retaliation against western countries.

"Political instruments of pressure on the economy are unacceptable and contradict all norms and rules. In this connection, the Russian government has already proposed a number of measures in retaliation to the so-called sanctions by some countries," Putin was quoted as saying.

The move follows recent bans on several Polish and Moldovan fruits and vegetables, as well as threats against the Greek and Dutch produce industries. The country at the heart of the conflict, the Ukraine, has also had its potatoes, canned foods and juices banned by its eastern neighbor.

The bans made to date have been officially based on alleged pest, disease, chemical residue or labeling problems associated with the products, however it is thought the new decree may be able to bypass such reasoning behind new prohibitions.

Industry news site Fruit-inform.com has reported Serbian apple growers are aiming for record apple exports to Russia this year in the wake of the country's ban on Polish and Moldovan fruit. Meanwhile, ITAR-TASS News Agency has reported talks will be held with officials from Turkey on August 8 to see what opportunity the Eurasian nation has in substituting lost produce imports.

However, both Serbia and Turkey have sought accession to the European Union, so it is likely the Kremlin is seeking to forge its influence and political alliances with these countries.

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