Russia’s sanctions on imported fruits, vegetables, meat and fish from the EU and a number of other countries (introduced in response to western sanctions over the annexation of Crimea and war in east Ukraine) prompted anger but also provided extra stimulus to a focus on locally sourced ingredients that was already under way, and created new interest in Russian ingredients. On top of attempts at sanctions busting, which have involved imitating European cheeses and meats, with mixed results, there has also been a drive to rediscover Russian cuisine and use Russian ingredients.