Russia to open duty-free shops selling western imports to foreign diplomats

Goods must be paid for in foreign currency, a practice reminiscent of Soviet-era beryozka stores

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Russia will introduce duty-free shops selling western imports to diplomats for foreign currency in a practice that will remind many Russians of the infamous beryozka stores that epitomised official privilege during the Soviet era.

The shops, which could open as soon as the autumn, will sell imported goods that may become hard to find in ordinary Russian shops as foreign brands flee the country over the war in Ukraine.