VOICED : Cheese shortage in Russia after Putin embargo on EU dairy

The Russian embargo on EU dairy products, announced by Vladimir Putin in response to EU sanctions over the Ukraine crisis, has led to a significant rise in cheese prices. The embargo has forced Russian cheese shops and supermarkets to seek alternative suppliers, with Switzerland becoming a major source. This has resulted in price increases, particularly for Swiss cheese and Parmesan. The embargo has also opened the Russian market to cheese from Serbia, Tunisia, and Israel, though these sources cannot fully replace the EU imports. Consequently, local dairy production in Russia has surged, with farms increasing their milk processing to meet demand.

What was the primary reason for the embargo on European Union dairy products?

• To promote Swiss cheese

• To increase cheese prices

• In response to EU sanctions over the Ukraine crisis

• To boost local dairy production

Which cheese experienced the largest price increase due to the embargo?

• Parmesan cheese

• Cheddar cheese

• Mozzarella cheese

• Swiss cheese

Which country became a major supplier of cheese to Russia after the embargo?

• France

• Germany

• Switzerland

• Italy

What is one of the benefits for local Russian dairy producers due to the embargo?

• Access to new international markets

• Decreased production costs

• Government subsidies

• Increased demand for local produce

What is the uncertainty faced by local dairy producers in Russia?

• The quality of local milk

• The cost of production

• The duration of the embargo

• The availability of foreign cheese