Russia State Duma today adopted the president-initiated law on suspending the agreement on Free Trade Zone (FTZ) with Ukraine.  

The MPs voted in favor of this decision right during the first reading. All the four factions of State Duma spoke for the adoption of the law.

Chairman of the State Duma profile Committee on CIS, Eurasian Integration and links with compatriots, Leonid Slutsky, expressed hope that some time later the agreement will be resumed.

According to him, for now the situation in Ukraine poses threat to its territorial integrity. “Ukraine may cease existing as a single state,” Slutsky said, Interfax reports.

On December 16, Russian President Vladimir Putting signed an order on suspending the Agreement on Free Trade Zone with Ukraine starting from 1 January 2016, “in connection with the exclusive circumstances, which relate to the interests and economic security of Russia and require taking immediate measures.”

The economic part of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and Russia will comes into force starting from January 1.