Putting aside concerns that the ban on food imports may breach Russia’s obligations as a World Trade Organization member—Putin has denied that any W.T.O. rules are being violated—the question remains as to how the country will reconcile the ostensible boost to domestic food production with the pledge to replace imports from the hostile West with meat, fruit, and vegetables from Latin America, China, and elsewhere. Putin’s decree stated that the ban will be in place for one year. Is that really enough time to encourage domestic food production? If not, why should domestic producers even bother trying?
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