Russian President Vladimir Putin has banned agricultural products going to the countries that imposed a sanction on Russia as a form of retaliation.

Putin decreed that agricultural and food imports be banned from Western countries for one year following a sanction imposed by the United States and Europe to stop any economic transactions with Russia.

Like Us on Facebook

The Russian president, however, is not fazed by the sanction, because officials have told CNN that Russia has launched a land attack into Ukraine and is planning a new round of assault later in the week.

"He's got lots of options here, and he's playing it," retired U.S. Gen. Wesley Clark said in an interview with CNN. "He's like someone fumbling with a lock, trying to find the right key to open the door."

The sanction of the western countries was implemented following reports that Russia has been adding to the conflict in Ukraine.

It was also found out that the missile used in downing the Malaysian Airline flight MH17 was allegedly supplied by Russia to a Ukraine separatist group.

However, despite the ongoing controversy that Putin is facing, CNN's global affairs correspondent Elise Labott said that the popularity of the Russian president is increasing.

The last time Putin's ratings soared was when he went to war with former Western ally, Georgia, in 2008, Labott said.

In a statement to Reuters, North Atlantic Treaty Organization spokesperson Oana Lungescu said that the actions done by Russia in adding fuel to the Ukrainian tension is "a great concern."

NATO said it is possible that Russia will use military men who are under the guise of humanitarians to enter Ukraine and send troops to the border.

Professor Emeritus Stephen Cohen, of Princeton University and New York University, said that Putin's intervention in the Ukraine conflict may be a move to protect Russia.

Cohen said advisors maybe telling Putin that if he doesn't step in anytime soon, Russia may be the next target of the clash, according to CNN.

Critics have differing opinions regarding Putin's motive for his intervention, but CNN correspondent Jim Sciutto said with Russia's battle arsenal and number of troops, it may be looking to expand its influence over Ukraine.

TagsRussia, Ukraine, Ukraine crisis