The Russian authorities have introduced a sweeping ban on imports of fruit and vegetables from Poland, depriving it of a major export market.

Russia's food hygiene authorities said the imports had unacceptable levels of pesticide residues and nitrates.

They earn Poland more than 1bn euros (£795m; $1.3bn) annually. Russia is Poland's biggest market for apples.

The move follows EU sanctions against Russia over Ukraine - and Poland has condemned Russian actions there.

Poland and some other former communist bloc countries are among the most vocal critics of Russia in the current crisis, accusing Moscow of supplying the separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine with arms and volunteers.

The cost to Poland of the import ban is likely to be 0.6% of GDP (national output) by the end of the year, Polish Deputy Prime Minister Janusz Piechocinski was quoted as saying.

Agriculture accounts for about 3.8% of Poland's total GDP. Polish growers plan to seek compensation from the EU for the loss of earnings.

Poles have been posting images of apples on social media as a way of protesting against Russia.

Bakudaily.az