Russia will ban the import of mandarins from Abkhazia, which has rejected the pro-Russian investment agreement.

The decision of the Abkhazian deputies to ratify the investment agreement with Russia has prompted a response from the Russian government.

Russia has decided to prohibit the import of Abkhazia's key export product – local mandarins. This was reported by "Interfax," citing the acting Prime Minister of Abkhazia, Valery Bganba.

At the same time, the sanitary services of Abkhazia deny the presence of "harmful flies" in the citrus fruits. "The Russian side claims to find these flies just before the extraordinary elections in Abkhazia. Unfortunately, this measure will affect the poorest segments of the population who rely on their harvest," said Bganba.

This is not the first restrictive measure from Russia. The Ministry of Finance of Abkhazia reported a lack of funds for paying salaries to budget workers and the suspension of co-financing from Moscow. Currently, money is only allocated for pensions. According to the acting president, Badri Gunba, restrictions have been imposed on the defense ministry, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the State Security Service, and other agencies.

The controversial investment agreement with Russia granted preferences to Russian builders in the territory of Abkhazia and was signed on October 30. It was supposed to be ratified by the People's Assembly, but in Sukhum, protesters opposed it, seized government buildings, and managed to achieve the resignation of Abkhazia's leadership.

The refusal to supply fruits may impact prices in Russia. Mandarins from Abkhazia accounted for 3–7% of the total market volume – that is 20–60 thousand tons per year.

However, this year's prices for mandarins will already be higher than usual. Among the reasons are the reduced harvest due to bad weather in Turkey, flooding in Spain, as well as logistical difficulties and payment issues for mandarins from Morocco.

Background. Recall that the Abkhazian parliament rejected the investment agreement with Russia, which had sparked mass protests. Opponents of the investment agreement emphasized that their protest was not anti-Russian in nature and that they do not oppose Moscow.