In a decision that is expected to affect Greek exports, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Thursday that Moscow will ban fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, milk and dairy imports from the European Union, the United States, Australia, Canada and Norway.

The decision follows a decree signed by President Vladimir Putin ordering the government to ban or limit food imports from countries that imposed sanctions on Moscow for its support of rebels in eastern Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea.

"There is nothing good in sanctions and it wasn't an easy decision to take, but we had to do it," Medvedev said.

The ban is valid from August 7 and will last for one year, he said.

There has been no official reaction yet from Greek authorities.

Earlier this month, the Panhellenic Exporters Federation (PSE) warned the European Commission against the impact of European sanctions against Russia on Greece's exports.

In a letter sent to the head of the European Commission, PSE chief Christina Sakellaridi called for a political solution that would take into account the interests of the debt-hit country's exporters. She also urged the Commission to consider possible bilateral deals with other non-EU countries that could make up for part of the loses from Russian sanctions.

[Reuters, Kathimerini]