DHAKA: Russian President Vladimir Putin has named a new target as global sparring over Ukraine grows: food.

In a decree signed Wednesday, Putin banned food and agricultural imports from countries that have imposed sanctions against his country, reports CNN.

The retaliatory move comes more than a week after the United States and European Union increased economic sanctions on Moscow for supporting pro-Russian separatists fighting Ukraine government forces in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, along the border with Russia.

A list of specific products and food bans is still being worked out by the Russian government, according to the decree, which describes the order as a special economic measure "aimed at ensuring the security of the Russian Federation."

Russia is Europe's largest importer in value of animals, meat, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, according to the European Union.

And goods from the EU represent 16% of all Russian imports, EU numbers show.

BDST: 0850 HRS, AUG 07, 2014