Brussels - (AFP) - Representatives of the European Union agreed on Tuesday to suspend duties imposed on products imported from Ukraine in an effort to support Kiev's economy, which was badly affected by the Russian invasion.

European Commission Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis said the suspension of fees is a temporary measure that "will make it easier for Ukraine to continue doing business in the face of Russian aggression and will generally support the Ukrainian economy."

The value of trade transactions between the European Union and Ukraine, which is one of the leading agricultural exporters, amounted to 52 billion euros ($56 billion) last year, according to the European Commission.

The value of commercial transactions between the two parties has doubled since 2016, but the outbreak of war at the end of February negatively affected the production of the agricultural and industrial sectors, especially with the Russian navy controlling the country's seaports.
The International Monetary Fund warns that the Russian invasion will cause Ukraine's economy to deteriorate by 35 percent this year.

A statement stated that the legislation, which was previously approved by the European Union Parliament, will enter into force the day after its publication in the bloc's Official Gazette.