BEIJING, CHINA — China’s customs agency on Feb. 24 approved imports of wheat from all regions of Russia, the Associated Press reported.

This move gives Russian President Vladmir Putin an alternative to Western markets that might be closed under sanctions.

Russia, one of the largest wheat producers, has not exported to China before now due to concern about possible fungus and other contamination, the AP said.

On Thursday, China’s customs agency approved imports of wheat from all regions of Russia, giving Putin an alternative to Western markets that might be closed under possible sanctions.

Russia is one of the world’s biggest wheat producers but has been shut out of China until now due to concern about possible fungus and other contamination.

China and Russia announced on Feb. 8 an agreement for China to import Russian wheat and barley. Russia said it would take all measures to prevent contamination by wheat smut fungus and would suspend exports to China if it was found, AP reported.

China is the only large government to not condemn Putin’s attack on Ukraine. It did call for restraint and respect for national sovereignty.