Ukraine to Halt Trade With Crimea

KIEV, Ukraine (AP) -- The Ukrainian prime minister says his country will halt some trade with Russian-occupied Crimea by mid-January.

Arseniy Yatsenyuk said in televised comments on Wednesday that starting Ukraine will halt all trade with Crimea except for the deliveries of humanitarian aid and "socially important foodstuffs."

Unknown attackers last month blew up electricity pylons leading to Crimea, leaving the region of 2 million with no power. Activists who are advocating a blockade of the region had hampered repair works until Ukraine resumed the supplies last week.

Yatsenyuk said Wednesday there was no decision yet on whether Ukraine would want to supply electricity to Crimea.

The impact of trade restrictions was unclear, as Crimean officials claim they have largely switched to imports from Russia.

(KA)