© Konstantin Chalabov / Sputnik
Admitting that his statement might seem "totally unexpected" for some, Putin explained that the ban is also in the consumers' interest, with good quality products at lower prices becoming more available.
"We must create viable conditions," he said, speaking at an 'Action Forum' of the All-Russia People's Front on Tuesday.
Russia's agricultural production has been given a boost in the wake of deteriorating relations with the West. After the anti-Russia sanctions were introduced in 2014 over the Ukrainian crisis and Moscow's alleged role in it, Russia banned imports of certain foods from a number of Western states.
"We really did it responsibly and, in fact, used the short-sighted decisions that had been applied in regard to our country by our so-called partners, who introduced the sanctions," Putin said, stressing that Russia's counter measures were also meant to protect its domestic market.
Details to follow
Predictable decision that prevents any possible attempt to spread hybrid warfare across borders via the food supply.