Russian embargo: EU moves to protect food producers

The European Commission said on Thursday it would take exceptional measures to support growers in the EU affected by Russia's ban on Western food products. The Russian embargo, announced earlier this month, came in retaliation to US and European sanctions over Moscow's alleged role in separatist violence in eastern Ukraine. EU Agricultural Commissioner Dacian Ciolos said the measures would be unveiled "early next week" and would aim to support sellers of fruit and vegetables that are "clearly in trouble", according to a news agency.