A Brazilian meat scandal could have played into New Zealand's hands, but that would mean keeping trade relations with Russia.
Former PR man for Federated Farmers David Broome spoke to The Country's Jamie Mackay, saying although he was a fan of a free trade agreement with Russia, one of the world's biggest beef and dairy importers, "the events in Salisbury have actually changed absolutely everything."
Broome is referring to the nerve agent attack on a former Russian spy in Britain recently which has been blamed on the Russian government. Russia has denied any involvement.
"I've always taken the view that trade and diplomacy are two separate things," says Broome.
"We've always maintained a separation between trade and foreign affairs, but I think the risk comes when you start to militarise trade that's when you end up increasing the risk of armed conflict, not reducing it."
