In May 2013, a trend of reduction of the Russian trade surplus which started in June 2012 continued. The US, Turkey and Japan joined the claim against Russia fi led by the European Union on July 2013 to the Court of the World Trade Organization. The Russian side intends to take every effort to reach an amicable settlement by means of consultations to avoid sanctions. In its turn, the Customs Union of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan has advised the WTO that it intends to introduce economic sanctions in respect of Ukrainian goods. From July 15, 2013, temporary restrictions have been imposed on import to Russia of finished meat and dairy products from Greece and some enterprises from Lithuania..