RUSSIA could ban the exports of its wood and timber-related products to "unfriendly countries" by the end of 2022, the nation's Industry and Trade Ministry has said. 

The UK, US and EU nations are likely to be among the 'blacklisted' states under proposals due to be "passed in the near future" in response to a number of measures taken since president Vladimir Putin launched the invasion of neighbouring Ukraine. 

While Russia is one of the world's major exporters of wood, it's unclear how much of an impact this could have, given it has now been designated as "conflict timber" by the PEFC and can no longer be used in certified products. 

READ MORE: Russian invasion of Ukraine: Russia's timber banned from use in all PEFC-certified products

"The Russian Industry and Trade Ministry has offered imposing a ban on exports of wood and a number of articles made from it until the end of this year," a statement read. "The ban will cover unfriendly countries that have been put on the list, including the US and EU countries.

"Birch raw wood (the main raw material for paper production) and chip fuel placed under the ban are critical goods for the European Union."

Since Russia's war with Ukraine began, a number of measures have been taken against the nation. As well as its wood losing its PEFC-certified status, forestry firms, including Ponsse and John Deere, have stopped all trading to the country. 

The invasion has already cost thousands of people their lives and forced millions to flee their homes. 

READ MORE: Russian invasion of Ukraine: Ponsse and Komatsu suspend all trade to nation

The statement added: "In its turn, the ban on exports of peeler block (raw material for plywood production) amid the EU’s anti-dumping duties on ready plywood from Russia will prevent European producers from boosting capacities of their own enterprises using Russian raw materials."