by Aurelie Mayembo

BRUSSELS – The EU is expected to take the plunge Tuesday and impose tougher sanctions on Russia over Ukraine, but the measures could hit its own struggling economy — especially should Moscow reply in kind.

“It is clear that there is a risk of Russian reprisals,” one EU diplomat said, noting that Moscow has repeatedly used trade embargoes to put pressure on former communist states such as Moldova or Georgia seeking closer ties with the European Union.

As if on cue, Moscow announced Monday a ban on the import of processed fruit and vegetables from Ukraine, and warned of similar steps against the European Union.