Russia’s ban on imports of Moldovan wine and brandy takes place as Moldova moves towards an Association Agreement with the European Union, the U.S. Embassy says in a statement released following Russia’s ban on Moldovan wine, IPN reports.

“All countries have the right to choose their own path of economic integration and development, according to national interest. No country has the right to determine the political and economic orientation of another country, nor decide which alliances and trade agreements it can join,” reads the statement.

The United States supports international trade agreements that foster free and independent trading opportunities for partner countries. Russia banned the imports of Moldovan wine earlier this week.